Question

multiple choice question

which muscle originates on the back of the skull and cervical vertebrae and attaches on the scapula and clavicle?

deltoid
sternocleidomastoid
trapezius
platysma

Explanation:

Analyze the anatomical landmarks

The question asks for a muscle that:

1. Originates on the back of the skull (occipital bone, external occipital protuberance, superior nuchal line) and cervical vertebrae (spinous processes of C1-C7, ligamentum nuchae).
2. Attaches (inserts) on the scapula (acromion and spine of the scapula) and the clavicle (lateral third).

Evaluate the given options

• Deltoid: Originates on the lateral clavicle, acromion, and spine of the scapula, and inserts on the deltoid tuberosity of the humerus.
• Sternocleidomastoid: Using the Sternocleidomastoid Muscle knowledge point, this muscle originates on the manubrium of the sternum and the medial clavicle, and inserts on the mastoid process of the temporal bone.
• Trapezius: This large, triangular muscle of the upper back originates on the occipital bone (back of the skull), ligamentum nuchae, and spinous processes of C7-T12. It inserts on the lateral third of the clavicle, the acromion, and the spine of the scapula. This matches all criteria.
• Platysma: Using the Platysma Anatomy knowledge point, this superficial neck muscle originates from the fascia of the upper chest (pectoralis major and deltoid) and inserts on the lower border of the mandible and skin of the lower face.

Select the correct option

The trapezius muscle perfectly fits the described origin and insertion sites.

Answer:

• (A) Deltoid
• (B) Sternocleidomastoid
• (C) Trapezius (Correct answer)
• (D) Platysma