innervation

Last reviewed 01/2018

The nerve supply to trapezius can be considered in terms of function:

  • motor: spinal part (C1-5) of accessory nerve (XI); fibres emerge from within the body of sternocleidomastoid through the posterior triangle
  • proprioceptive: ventral rami of cervical plexus (C3, C4); fibres emerge from behind sternocleidomastoid
  • general sensation to skin overlying trapezius: dorsal rami of C3 to C12