Cat information:
levator scapulae ventralis (levator scapulae in humans)
origin: transverse
process of C1 and the
occipital bone
insertion: metacromion and infraspinatus
fossa
nerve: dorsal scapular
action: elevates scapula
Note that is muscle can be tagged in two places!
Human information:
levator scapulae
origin: transverse processes
of C1-C4
insertion: vertebral border of
scapula
between the superior angle and
the spine of the scapula
nerve: dorsal scapular (C5) and anterior
rami of C3 and C4
action: elevates and
downward rotates
scapula, flexes neck laterally
Some authors call this simply levator scapula. This is one of the five muscles that are grouped as muscles of the scapula, or sometimes as muscles that moor the scapula. The above drawings of the insertion might help visualize this information (red is the origin and blue is the insertion). Thanks to Laura Holder for the excellent drawing of the origin and insertion!
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2009 by William C. Johnson II
ALL RIGHTS RESERVED!