trapezius

== English == === Etymology === Unknown but likely derived from Ancient Greek τράπεζα (trápeza). === Pronunciation === IPA(key): /tɹəˈpiːziəs/ === Noun === trapezius (plural trapezii or trapeziuses) (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. ==== Synonyms ==== (muscle): trapezius muscle ==== Derived terms ==== (colloquial) trap ==== Related terms ==== trapezium trapezoid ==== Translations ====