Levator Scapulae

Authors
Affiliations

Nate Yomogida, B.S., SPT

Doctor of Physical Therapy

B.S. in Kinesiology

Chloë Kerstein, B.S., SPT

Doctor of Physical Therapy

B.A. in Neuroscience

Figure 1: Hypoglossal nerve, cervical plexus, and their respective branches
Figure 2: Muscles of the Posterior and lateral neck
Figure 3: Muscles of the Neck and Back
Reading list
  • Trigger Points
    • Ch19 lev scap Muscle
    • Lev scap
  • MMT

Overview

The levator scapulae is a long and slender muscle. Although the levator scapulae is geographically associated with the muscles of the back, it is functionally more similar to the scapular muscles such as the rhomboid major, minor, and serratus anterior.

Origin

TP C1-C4

Insertion

Superior angle of the scapula

Figure 4: Left scapula (Posterior view)

Innervation

Action

  • STJ: Elevates and downwardly rotates scapula
  • C/S: Extends and I/L lateral flexion

The levator scapula coactivates with the scapulothoracic upward rotators to counter eachother’s frontal plane rotation and to result in pure elevation.

Notes

Paralysis

Paralysis of the levator scapulae will result in a sagging shoulder girdle.

References

1.
Gray H. Anatomy of the Human Body. 20th ed. (Lewis WH, ed.). Lea & Febiger; 1918. https://www.bartleby.com/107/
2.
Betts JG, Blaker W. Anatomy and Physiology. 2nd ed. OpenStax; 2022. https://openstax.org/details/books/anatomy-and-physiology-2e/?Book%20details
3.
Donnelly JM, Simons DG, eds. Travell, Simons & Simons’ Myofascial Pain and Dysfunction: The Trigger Point Manual. Third edition. Wolters Kluwer Health; 2019.
4.
Finando D, Finando SJ, Finando D. Trigger Point Therapy for Myofascial Pain: The Practice of Informed Touch. Healing Arts Press; 2005.
5.
Weinstock D. NeuroKinetic Therapy: An Innovative Approach to Manual Muscle Testing. North Atlantic Books; 2010.
6.
Jones B. B Project Foundations. b Project; 2025.
7.
Gilroy AM, MacPherson BR, Wikenheiser JC, Voll MM, Wesker K, Schünke M, eds. Atlas of Anatomy. 4th ed. Thieme; 2020.

Citation

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