Trapezius origin includes which structures?

• A. External occipital protuberance, medial portion of superior nuchal line of the occiput, ligamentum nuchae and spinous processes C7 through T12
• B. Infraspinous fossa
• C. Subscapular fossa
• D. Transverse processes of C1-C4

Answer: (A)

The main idea here is knowing where the trapezius starts along the midline of the back of the neck and upper spine. The trapezius originates from the external occipital protuberance and the medial portion of the superior nuchal line of the occiput, the ligamentum nuchae, and the spinous processes of C7 through T12. These broad attachments along the skull base, neck, and upper thoracic spine give the muscle a wide anchoring point to move the scapula in multiple directions (elevating, retracting, depressing, and rotating). The other structures belong to different muscles: the infraspinous fossa is the origin for the infraspinatus, the subscapular fossa for the subscapularis, and the transverse processes of C1-C4 are associated with the levator scapulae. So, the listed attachments accurately match the trapezius origin.