Trapezius
Origin
Unknown, probably has similar roots as other trap- terms, being related to Ancient Greek terms like Ï„Ïάπεζα.
Full definition of trapezius
Noun
- (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.