Which muscles elevate the scapula?

• A. Upper trapezius
• B. Levator scapulae
• C. Lower trapezius
• D. Upper trapezius and levator scapulae

Answer: (D)

Elevation of the scapula happens when the shoulder blade is drawn upward toward the ear. The muscles that do this are the upper trapezius and the levator scapulae. The upper trapezius pulls the scapula upward from its attachments on the skull/neck to the lateral clavicle and acromion, while the levator scapulae pulls from the neck vertebrae to the superior angle and medial border of the scapula, lifting it as well. Together, they produce the elevation you feel when you shrug. The lower trapezius, on the other hand, mainly depresses and upwardly rotates the scapula, so it does not contribute to elevation. Hence, the combination of the upper trapezius and levator scapulae best explains scapular elevation.