Back to muscle library
Posterior Anatomography animation color-coding the upper trapezius fibers
Anatomography / DBCLS, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 2.1 JP Image source

Upper back / Trapezius

Upper trapezius

Elevates the scapula and contributes to upward rotation. with the shoulder girdle fixed it can assist neck extension and side bending

Origin
External occipital protuberance, medial superior nuchal line, and ligamentum nuchae
Insertion
Lateral third of the clavicle and acromion
Primary actions
Elevates the scapula and contributes to upward rotation. with the shoulder girdle fixed it can assist neck extension and side bending

Anatomy source

OpenStax Anatomy and Physiology 2e — Head, Neck, and Back

Open reference

Educational anatomy reference only. This page does not diagnose pain, injury, or movement limitations.

From anatomy to action

Explore the movement, not just the muscle.

A single muscle rarely explains a movement by itself. Use the related movement content to see how this anatomy may contribute, then choose a focused program when you want a complete progression.

Movement guides and exercises

Complete guided progressions

Ready to follow a focused plan?

These programs include this muscle through a related guide or corrective recipe.