Levator scapulae origin and insertion

Levator scapulae runs from the atlas, axis, and third and fourth cervical vertebrae to the scapula.

What are the origin and insertion of levator scapulae?

Levator scapulae arises from the transverse process of the atlas, the transverse process of the axis, and the transverse processes of the third and fourth cervical vertebrae. It inserts on the medial border of the scapula, from the superior angle to the spine. Its main action is elevation of the scapula. It is supplied by the dorsal scapular nerve (C5), with branches of C3 and C4. The attachments, actions and nerve follow Gray (1918).

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Every attachment and its bone

Origins 4

Origins of levator scapulae, with the bone each is on
Attachment	Bone
Transverse process of the atlas	Atlas
Transverse process of the axis	Axis
Transverse process of the third cervical vertebra	Third cervical vertebra
Transverse process of the fourth cervical vertebra	Fourth cervical vertebra

Insertion 1

Insertion of levator scapulae, with the bone each is on
Attachment	Bone
Medial border of the scapula, from the superior angle to the spine	Scapula

Actions

The actions of levator scapulae, and which are its main ones
Action	What moves	Main or assisting
Elevation	The shoulder blade rises	Main action
Downward rotation	The shoulder blade turns back down	Assists

Each action is stated in the anatomical position: standing, arms by the sides, palms forward.

Innervation

The dorsal scapular nerve (C5), with branches of C3 and C4.

Sources

Gray (1918), Myology, the muscles connecting the upper extremity to the vertebral column

See it in 3D

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