Muscle origin
Medial third of the superior nuchal line, external occipital protuberance, nuchal ligament (upper part), spinous processes and supraspinous ligaments of vertebrae C7-T4 (middle part) and spinous processes and supraspinous ligaments of vertebrae T4-T12 (lower part
Muscle insertion
Lateral third of clavicle, medial acromial margin and superior crest of Scapular spine, and lateral apex of the medial end of Scapular spine.
Muscle function
Upper part – Extension of head and neck (bilateral contraction), lateral flexion (ipsilateral contraction) and rotation of Atlantooccipital joint opposite side (contralateral contraction). Scapula elevation and lateral rotation, and control of Clavicula and AC and SC.
Middle part – Scapular adduction and rotation of C7-T4 to opposite side.
Lower part – Depression, adduction and lateral rotation of Scapula, and assist in extension and control of T5-T12.
Nerve innervation
XI and C3-4 (Lovett reactor L2-L3)
Primary muscle type
Phasic / Type I (65-80%)
Myofascial lines
Superficial back arm line
Primary inhibatory muscles
Rhomboid, Pectoralis major, Pectoralis minor, Deltoid anterior and posterior, Biceps brachii, Triceps brachii
Organ relationship (T1-L2, Sacrum, n. Vagus)
Related joints
Associated muscles
Manual and practical therapy strategies that will help you find the root cause(s) and achieve faster and better results with your clients.
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Move2Peak Academy ApS, Denmark
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