Muscles of the Head and Shoulders

Insertion Origin Sternum and Clavicle Insertion Temporal Bone (Mastoid Process) Action(s) Flexes and rotates the head

Splenius Capitis Insertion Origin Nuchal ligament, spinous process of C7-T6 Insertion Temporal Bone (Mastoid Process), Occipital Bone Action(s) Extends and rotates cervical spine and head

Trapezius Origin Occipital bone and all cervical and thoracic vertebrae Insertion Scapular spine and Clavicle Action(s) Extends neck and adducts scapula Insertion

Pectoralis Minor Origin Upper outer side of ribs 3-5 near their costal cartilages Insertion Medial border and superior surface of the coracoid process of the scapula Action(s) Stabilizes the scapula by drawing it in against the thoracic wall Origin Insertion

Serratus Anterior Origin Outer surface of upper 8 ribs Insertion Anterior border of scapulae Action(s) Protracts and stabilizes scapula, assists in upward rotation Origin Insertion

Rhomboid Major Origin Spinous processes of the T2 to T5 vertebrae Insertion Medial border of the scapula, inferior to minor insertion Action(s) Retracts and rotates scapula, fixes scapula to thoracic wall Origin Insertion

Rhomboid Minor Origin Insertion Origin Nuchal ligaments and spinous processes of C7 to T1 vertebrae Insertion Medial border of the scapula, superior to major insertion Action(s) Retracts and rotates scapula, fixes scapula to thoracic wall

Levator Scapulae Origin Posterior tubercles of transverse processes of C1 - C4 vertebrae Insertion Superior part of medial border of scapula Action(s) Elevates scapula and tilts its glenoid cavity inferiorly by rotating scapula Origin Insertion