Trapezius muscles

The Trapezius muscles are a set of muscles found in cats. They are three thin flat muscles that cover the back, and to a lesser extent, the neck. They pull the scapula toward the mid dorsal line, anteriorly, and posteriorly.

Clavotrapezius

The most anterior of the trapezius muscles, it is also the largest. Its fibers run obliquely to the ventral surface. Origin, superior nuchal line and median dorsal line, Insertion, clavicle, Action, draws the clavicle dorsal and towards the head.

Acromiotrapezius

Acromiotrapezius is the middle trapezius muscle. It covers the dorsal and lateral surfaces of the scapula. Origin, neural spines of the cervical vertebrae, Insertion, In the metacromion process and fascia of clavotrapezius, Action, draws the scapula to the dorsal, and holds the two scpula together.

Spinotrapezius

Spinotrapezius, also called thoracic trapezius, is the most posterior of the three. It is triangular shaped. Posterior to the acromiotrapezius and overlaps latissimus dorsi on the front. Origin, neural spines of the thoracic vertebra, Insertion, scapular fascia, Action, draws the scapula to the dorsal and caudal regions.