Anatomy

Origin

Posterior tubercles of the transverse processes of the first four cervical vertebrae

Insertion

Vertebral (medial) border of the scapula at and above the spine

Nerve

Dorsal scapular nerve (C5)

Actions

Elevates medial border of scapula, rotates scapula to lower the lateral angle, acts with Trapezius - Middle Head, Trapezius - Upper Head, Rhomboid Major and Rhomboid Minor to pull scapula medially and upward, bends neck laterally