To which part of the scapula does the levator scapulae attach?

The levator scapulae (m. levator scapulae) attaches to the superior angle of the scapula. It originates from the transverse processes of the upper four cervical vertebrae (C1–C4). It is classified as an extrinsic back muscle, is innervated by the dorsal scapular nerve (n. dorsalis scapulae), and actively assists in shoulder girdle movements.

What functions does the levator scapulae perform besides elevation?

In standard anatomical descriptions, the primary and principal action of the levator scapulae (m. levator scapulae) is the elevation of the scapula (along with downward rotation).

Which arteries participate in the blood supply of the levator scapulae?

The levator scapulae (m. levator scapulae) is supplied by the dorsal scapular artery (a. dorsalis scapulae) and the transverse cervical artery (a. transversa colli).

Which deep cervical fascial layer covers the levator scapulae?

The levator scapulae (m. levator scapulae) is covered by the prevertebral layer of the deep cervical fascia (lamina prevertebralis fasciae cervicalis). Its lateral expansions form fascial sheaths that blend with the muscle and attach to the superior angle of the scapula. This fascial layer also covers other deep neck muscles, including the anterior, middle, and posterior scalene muscles.

The levator scapulae forms the floor of which anatomical triangle of the neck?

The levator scapulae (m. levator scapulae) helps form the floor of the posterior triangle of the neck (lateral cervical region). Along with the scalene muscles (mm. scaleni), it underlies the prevertebral fascia (lamina prevertebralis fasciae cervicalis) which forms the floor of this topographical region.

Where does the levator scapulae originate?

It originates from the transverse processes of the first four cervical vertebrae (C1–C4).

Which nerve innervates this muscle?

It is innervated by the dorsal scapular nerve (n. dorsalis scapulae), with fibers originating from nerve roots C3–C5.

Which arteries supply blood to the levator scapulae?

Blood supply is derived from two primary sources: the dorsal scapular artery and the transverse cervical artery.

Home › Human Anatomy › Levator Scapulae Muscle

Levator Scapulae Muscle

Musculus levator scapulae

For medical students2 min readUpdated 2026-10-10

The levator scapulae (musculus levator scapulae) is an important superficial muscle of the back and neck region. Its primary role is reflected in its name: it elevates the scapula, playing a key role in shoulder girdle movements.

GroupSuperficial extrinsic back muscles

OriginTransverse processes of C1–C4 vertebrae

InsertionSuperior angle of the scapula

Blood supplyDorsal scapular artery, transverse cervical artery

Topography and Attachments

The anatomical position of the musculus levator scapulae is defined by its skeletal attachment points.

Origin: Muscle fascicles originate from the posterior tubercles of the transverse processes of the upper four cervical vertebrae (C1 to C4 inclusive).
Insertion: The fibers run inferiorly and laterally to insert onto the superior angle and medial border of the scapula.

Due to this orientation, contraction of the muscle pulls the insertion point toward the origin, resulting in elevation of the scapula.

Function, Blood Supply, and Innervation

The primary function of the muscle is elevation of the scapula (and downward rotation).

Nerve impulses for contraction are transmitted via the dorsal scapular nerve (n. dorsalis scapulae), which arises from the ventral rami of the brachial plexus (primarily roots C3–C5).

Adequate blood supply and oxygen delivery are provided by two main arterial branches:

Dorsal scapular artery (a. dorsalis scapulae).
Transverse cervical artery (a. transversa colli).

Muscle Classification Context

The levator scapulae is classified as a superficial back muscle. To fully understand its functional connections, it is helpful to review neighboring structures within the same category that share similar innervation or vascular profiles.

Muscle	Main Function	Innervation	Blood Supply
Trapezius	Scapular movements, neck extension	Accessory nerve (CN XI), C3–C4	a. transversa colli
Latissimus dorsi	Adduction, extension of arm	Thoracodorsal nerve (n. thoracodorsalis)	a. thoracodorsalis
Rhomboids	Scapular retraction	Dorsal scapular nerve (n. dorsalis scapulae)	a. dorsalis scapulae
Levator scapulae	Scapular elevation	Dorsal scapular nerve (n. dorsalis scapulae)	a. transversa colli

As shown in the table, the rhomboid muscles and the levator scapulae share a common nerve supply (n. dorsalis scapulae). Meanwhile, its blood supply from the transverse cervical artery (a. transversa colli) links it functionally to the trapezius.

Mnemonic

Remember the origin via the "top 4" rule: the muscle originates from the transverse processes of the top 4 cervical vertebrae (C1–C4) and inserts at the top (superior angle) of the scapula.

Frequently asked questions

To which part of the scapula does the levator scapulae attach?: The levator scapulae (m. levator scapulae) attaches to the superior angle of the scapula. It originates from the transverse processes of the upper four cervical vertebrae (C1–C4). It is classified as an extrinsic back muscle, is innervated by the dorsal scapular nerve (n. dorsalis scapulae), and actively assists in shoulder girdle movements.
What functions does the levator scapulae perform besides elevation?: In standard anatomical descriptions, the primary and principal action of the levator scapulae (m. levator scapulae) is the elevation of the scapula (along with downward rotation).
Which arteries participate in the blood supply of the levator scapulae?: The levator scapulae (m. levator scapulae) is supplied by the dorsal scapular artery (a. dorsalis scapulae) and the transverse cervical artery (a. transversa colli).
Which deep cervical fascial layer covers the levator scapulae?: The levator scapulae (m. levator scapulae) is covered by the prevertebral layer of the deep cervical fascia (lamina prevertebralis fasciae cervicalis). Its lateral expansions form fascial sheaths that blend with the muscle and attach to the superior angle of the scapula. This fascial layer also covers other deep neck muscles, including the anterior, middle, and posterior scalene muscles.
The levator scapulae forms the floor of which anatomical triangle of the neck?: The levator scapulae (m. levator scapulae) helps form the floor of the posterior triangle of the neck (lateral cervical region). Along with the scalene muscles (mm. scaleni), it underlies the prevertebral fascia (lamina prevertebralis fasciae cervicalis) which forms the floor of this topographical region.
Where does the levator scapulae originate?: It originates from the transverse processes of the first four cervical vertebrae (C1–C4).
Which nerve innervates this muscle?: It is innervated by the dorsal scapular nerve (n. dorsalis scapulae), with fibers originating from nerve roots C3–C5.
Which arteries supply blood to the levator scapulae?: Blood supply is derived from two primary sources: the dorsal scapular artery and the transverse cervical artery.

Go deeper

Serratus posterior superior and serratus posterior inferior
Deep muscles of the back: Erector spinae
Thoracolumbar fascia (fascia thoracolumbalis)
Anterior and posterior triangles of the neck
Inguinal falx (conjoint tendon)