Synonyms
Latin: Musculus trapezius
History
Approach: Origin: Innervation: N. accessorius, Plexus cervicalis (C 2 – 4)
- Outer third of the clavicle (externalis acromialis)
- Shoulder height (Acromion)
- Shoulder blade bone (spina scapulae)
- External occipital protuberance (Protuberantia occipitalis externa)
- Spinous processes of all cervical and thoracic vertebrae
Function
The trapezius muscle (Musculus trapezius) has different functions due to the individual sections and almost opposite directions of action of the muscle pulls. The descending part, which is especially trained in bodybuilding, lifts the shoulders. It also prevents the shoulders from drooping too far when carrying heavy loads. The contraction of the sloping part causes the shoulder blades to merge. The rising part is responsible for lowering the shoulders and lifting the torso with arms fixed.
Common diseases
A slightly forward and lower shoulder can be an indication of paralysis of the trapezius muscle. In this case, there is no need to secure the shoulder blade to the spinal column. Since the muscle has different functions, it must also be trained differently.
The descending part is trained more often in bodybuilding. Shoulder lifting is particularly suitable for this part. The transversal part is particularly stressed in the back insulator.
There is no isolated training of the ascending part. For detailed information on this topic, please visit our topic back trainingThe described stretching exercise only refers to the descending part of the trapezius muscle. The head is inclined to the side as shown in the figure. The arm on the opposite side can provide slight support.
