Elevates, retracts, depresses, and rotates scapula
trapezius Muscle
Accessory nerve (CN XI)
Extends, adducts, and medially rotates humerus
latissimus Dorsi
Thoracodorsal nerve
Elevates scapula; tilts glenoid cavity inferiorly by rotating
scapula
Levator Scapulae
Dorsal scapular nerve; cervical nerves C3 and C4
Retract and rotate scapula; fix scapula to thoracic wall
Rhomboids Minor/major
Dorsal scapular nerve
Proprioception, elevates upper ribs
Serratus Posterior Superior
Intercostal nerves 2-5
proprioception, depresses lower ribs
Serratus posterior inferior
Intercostal nerves 9-12
Bilateral contraction - ipsilateral flexion, rotation of neck
Bilateral contraction - extension of neck
Splenius (capitis and cervicis)
Dorsal rami of spinal nerves
Acting bilaterally - extend vertebral column and head,
maintain upright posture
Erector spinae (iliocostalis - lateral, longissimus - interme-
Acting unilaterally - laterally bend vertebral column
diate, spinalis - medial)
Dorsal rami of spinal nerves
Transversospinalis muscles o (semispinalis, multifidus, ro- Bilateral - Head/vertebral extension
tatores - deep) Unilateral - contralateral rotation
, Dorsal rami of spinal nerves
Extension of skull
Rectus capitis posterior major
Suboccipital nerve (dorsal ramus of C1)
Extension of skull
Rectus capitis posterior minor
Suboccipital nerve
Rotation of C1 on C2
Inferior oblique (obliquus capitis inferior)
Suboccipital nerve
Extension of skull?
Superior oblique (obliquus capitis superior)
Suboccipital nerve
Continuous bands of connective tissue lying on top, in
between spinous processes
Super/Interspinous ligaments Resist hyperflexion of column
In cervical region, supraspinous ligament deepens due to
curvature of vertebrae, referred to as ligamentum nuchae
Broad ligaments connecting superior/inferior lamina
along posterior arch
Ligamenta flava Resist hyperflexion of column
Elastic properties - allows separation during flexion, re-
mains taught in extension
disks separate adjacent bones; provide shock absorption,
Intervertebral disks
resists excessive traction and allow for certain movements
Anterior longitudinal ligament
2/7