How to Identify the Levator Scapulae

The levator scapulae is a muscle at the sides and back of the neck and frequently causes a "knot" in the neck when driving or sitting at a computer. It may be divided into distinct sections in some individuals and the number of vertebral attachments varies considerably. The following steps will help you identify the levator scapulae.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

1. Read up on Latin roots to know that "levator" means "raises" and "scapulae" means "scapula." This muscle "raises the scapula" when the head is fixed.

2. Examine the levator scapulae to see that it also extends the neck to the corresponding side and rotates the head in the same direction. The levator scapula also tilts the glenoid cavity by rotating the scapula.

3. Observe how the levator scapula originates from the posterior tubercles of the transverse processes of the first four cervical vertebrae by tendinous slips. A slip also may extend to other bones such as the mastoid and occipital as well as muscles, including the trapezius, scalene and serratus anterior.

4. Look at the insertion of the levator scapulae into the medial border of the scapula from the superior angle to the spine.

5. Research the nervous system to know that the nerve for the levator scapulae is the nerves off of the cervical plexus from the third and fourth cervical nerves and the dorsal scapular nerve from the fifth cervical nerve. Study the circulatory system to know that the blood supply for the levator scapulae is the transverse cervical artery.

Resources

• Read a medical glossary.