Dorsolateral view, left side

 Ventrolateral view, left side

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!

Posterior view, right side Posterior view of origin and insertion, left side
Posterior (superficial) view of insertion, right side

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!

COPYRIGHT 2009 by William C. Johnson II
ALL RIGHTS RESERVED!