Levator Scapulae

The structure indicated is the levator scapulae muscle.

The levator scapulae muscle is one of the superficial muscles of the back. There are three groups of back mucsles:

1. Superficial
2. Intermediate
3. Deep

The superficial group of back muscles consists of 5 muscles:

1. Trapezius
2. Latissimus dorsi
3. Levator scapulae
4. Rhomboid major
5. Rhomboid minor

The name “levator scapulae”, is the Latin for “elevator of the scapula”, which describes the function of this muscle.

Origin: Transverse processes of cervical vertebrae CI to C4

Insertion: Upper aspect of medial border of scapula

Action: Elevates scapula

Innervation: Dorsal scapula nerve

Learn more about the anatomy of the back muscles in this tutorial.