Definition

Noun: - A large, flat, triangular muscle of the upper back and neck: The musculus trapezius (commonly called the trapezius muscle) is a superficial muscle that extends from the occipital bone of the skull down to the lower thoracic vertebrae and laterally to the spine of the scapula. It is involved in moving, rotating, and stabilizing the scapula (shoulder blade) and extending the head at the neck.

Usage Examples

• Noun:
  • Pain in the upper back is often related to tension in the musculus trapezius.
  • Strengthening the musculus trapezius is important for good posture and shoulder stability.

Advanced Usage

• Anatomical Context: In medical and anatomical texts, the full Latin term is often used for precision. In common usage, it is shortened to "trapezius."
  • The surgeon carefully dissected the musculus trapezius to access the underlying structures.

Variants and Related Words

• Trapezius (n): The common English name for the .
  • He applied massage to the trapezius to relieve the knot.
• Trapezius muscle (n): A fuller descriptive term.
  • The trapezius muscle is divided into upper, middle, and lower fibers.

Synonyms

• Trap muscle (n): An informal synonym.
  • My trap muscles are sore from lifting.
• Upper back muscle (n): A general descriptive term, though less specific.

Related Phrases

• Trapezius strain (n): An injury to this muscle.
  • The athlete was sidelined with a trapezius strain.
• Trapezius function (n): Refers to the muscle's role in movement.
  • The physical therapist explained the trapezius function in scapular retraction.

Noun

1. either of two flat triangular muscles of the shoulder and upper back that are involved in moving the shoulders and arms