Muscle
Levator scapulae
Connects the upper neck to the shoulder blade
High-yield
Elevation and downward rotation describe its scapular actions. Its nerve supply combines cervical branches with a dorsal scapular contribution.
Overview
This muscle descends from the upper cervical transverse processes to the upper medial scapula. Its pull raises the shoulder blade and helps turn the glenoid downward.
Reference facts
- Origin
- Transverse processes of C1–C4
- Insertion
- Medial scapular border between the superior angle and root of the spine
- Action
- Raises the scapula and assists downward rotation of the glenoid
- Innervation
- C3–C4 cervical branches and the dorsal scapular nerve, mainly C5
- Blood supply
- Dorsal scapular and transverse cervical arterial branches
Clinical correlation
The muscle may contribute to pain near the upper medial scapula. A dorsal scapular nerve lesion can also weaken its contribution to scapular movement, though cervical nerve branches supply part of the muscle.
Frequently asked questions
What does the levator scapulae do?
The levator scapulae raises the scapula and assists downward rotation of the glenoid.
What nerve innervates the levator scapulae?
The levator scapulae is innervated by the C3–C4 cervical branches and the dorsal scapular nerve, mainly C5.
Where does the levator scapulae attach?
Origin: Transverse processes of C1–C4. Insertion: Medial scapular border between the superior angle and root of the spine.
What is the blood supply of the levator scapulae?
The levator scapulae is supplied by the dorsal scapular and transverse cervical arterial branches.