Muscles / Back
Upper trapezius
- Back
- Shoulder & scapula
- Superficial layer
Also called descending trapezius, descending part of trapezius, UT.
Part of Trapezius.
Anatomy
- Origin
- Superior nuchal line, external occipital protuberance, ligamentum nuchae
- Insertion
- Lateral third of the clavicle
Actions
- Elevates the scapula
- Upwardly rotates the scapula
- Extends and laterally flexes the neck when the scapula is fixed
Exercises that train it most
Also trained by
Notes
- Often over-active relative to the lower and middle trapezius in subacromial pain; also the site of trapezius myalgia.
References (6)
- Cools AM, Dewitte V, Lanszweert F, et al. Am J Sports Med. 2007;35(10):1744-1751. Rehabilitation of scapular muscle balance: which exercises to prescribe?
- Andersen LL, Kjaer M, Andersen CH, et al. Phys Ther. 2008;88(6):703-711. Muscle activation during selected strength exercises in women with chronic neck muscle pain
- Standring S, ed. Elsevier. Gray's Anatomy: The Anatomical Basis of Clinical Practice. 42nd ed.
- Dalley AF, Agur AMR. Wolters Kluwer. Moore's Clinically Oriented Anatomy. 9th ed.
- Neumann DA. Elsevier. Kinesiology of the Musculoskeletal System: Foundations for Rehabilitation. 3rd ed.
- Betts JG, Young KA, Wise JA, et al. OpenStax (free, openly licensed textbook). Anatomy and Physiology 2e