A cadaveric and magnetic resonance imaging study of the anatomical variations of levator scapulae
Loading...
Date
2025
Authors
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
University of Namibia
Abstract
Levator scapulae muscle (LSM) is a deep muscle found in the posterior triangle of the
neck. It is reported to be a lead cause of neck and shoulder pain and discomfort in patients.
The muscle anatomically presents with an average of four muscle slips, originating from
the transverse processes of the first four cervical vertebrae (C1-C4) and inserts onto the
superomedial border of the scapula. The main function of the levator scapulae muscle is
to elevate the scapula.
This study aimed to determine the morphometric variation in levator scapulae muscle and
its related neurovasculature via cadaveric and MRI studies. There were 20 available
cadavers, and their posterior and anterior neck triangles were dissected to expose the
levator scapulae and its neurovasculature. The MRI study used randomly selected axial
scans (n = 167) to identify accessory attachments of the levator scapulae muscle.
The study observed the levator scapulae muscle with two to six muscle slips, with four
muscle slips dominating. The average proximal distance was 53.46 ± 13.22 mm, distal
distance was 60.63 ± 10.78 mm, anterior distance was 87.10 ± 9.27 mm and posterior
distance was 158.08 ± 15.94 mm. The cadaveric study observed the accessory muscle slip
attachments to the middle scalene, the first two ribs. The MRI study observed accessory
attachments to the serratus posterior superior, serratus anterior, trapezius, rhomboid
minor, and splenius cervicis. The levator scapulae muscle was supplied by the dorsal
scapular, transverse cervical ascending cervical arteries, and innervated by up to six nerve
branches, stemming from C2, C3/C4, and C5 nerve roots.
Clinically, the current study is important to medical students, anatomists, radiologists, and
physicians, as it confirmed the available data and provided additional knowledge about
the levator scapulae muscle and its related neurovasculature, hence voiding
misinterpretation of possible muscle anatomy, inaccurate diagnoses and prevent injuries
to neurovasculature during surgical procedures. Further research on the levator scapulae
muscle is crucial to provide adequate information regarding the levator scapulae muscle
variations
Description
A thesis submitted in fulfilment of the requirements for the Degree of Master of Science in Medical Sciences with Specialisation in Anatomy
Keywords
Cadaveric, Levator scapulae muscle, MRI, Muscle slips, Neurovasculature, University of Namibia, Namibia