Which muscle extends the neck and elevates, retracts, depresses, or rotates the scapula upward and also elevates the clavicle?

• A. Trapezius
• B. Levator Scapulae
• C. Rhomboid Major
• D. Serratus Anterior

Answer: (A)

The neck extension and upward rotation of the scapula with clavicle elevation is a combined action best provided by the trapezius. Its upper fibers elevate the scapula and clavicle; the middle fibers retract the scapula; the lower fibers depress the scapula; and together they rotate the scapula upward. When the scapula is held steady, the upper fibers also help extend the neck. This combination of neck extension plus multiple scapular movements fits trapezius exactly. Levator scapulae mainly elevates the scapula (and can influence neck positioning) but does not elevate the clavicle; rhomboid major retracts and downwardly rotates the scapula; serratus anterior protracts and upwardly rotates the scapula but does not extend the neck or elevate the clavicle.