• Trapezius

    Origin

    Unknown, probably has similar roots as other trap- terms, being related to Ancient Greek terms like τράπεζα.

    Full definition of trapezius

    Noun

    trapezius

    (plural trapezii or trapeziuses)
    1. (anatomy) A large vertebrate skeletal muscle divided into an ascending, descending, and transverse portion, attaching the neck and central spine to the outer extremity of the scapula; it functions in scapular elevation, adduction, and depression.The trapezius muscle resembles a trapezium (trapezoid in American English), or diamond-shaped quadrilateral. The word "spinotrapezius" refers to the human trapezius, although it is not commonly used in modern texts. In other mammals, it refers to a portion of the analogous muscle.

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