Posterior neck muscles

The posterior neck muscles include the trapezius, splenius, semispinalis, and levator scapulae. The trapezius is the flat, triangular muscle that covers the posterior portion of the neck, shoulders, and thorax. It originates from the occiput, nuchal ligament, spinous processes of C7-T12, and the supraspinal ligaments. It inserts into the lateral clavicle, acromion, and scapular spine. The splenius and semispinalis capitis arise from the lower cervical and upper thoracic vertebrae and insert on the skull. The levator scapulae originates from the upper four cervical vertebrae and inserts onto the superomedial corner of the scapula.