Which describes the action of the levator scapula?

• A. Elevates the scapula and downwardly rotates the scapula
• B. Elevates the scapula and upwardly rotates the scapula
• C. Unilaterally elevates the scapula, downwardly rotates the scapula, laterally flexes head and neck, rotates head and neck to the same side; Bilaterally extends the head and neck
• D. Protracts the scapula

Answer: (C)

The levator scapulae has a dual role because it spans from the neck to the scapula. Its primary job is to elevate the scapula, and it also downwardly rotates the scapula. But because it originates on the cervical vertebrae, a unilateral contraction can influence neck movement as well: it can laterally flex the head and neck and rotate the head to the same side. When both sides contract, it helps extend the neck.

So the most complete description includes all those actions: elevating the scapula, downwardly rotating the scapula, tilting and rotating the head to the same side, and, with bilateral contraction, extending the head and neck. The other options miss or misstate aspects of these actions—the muscle does not upwardly rotate the scapula, and it does not protract the scapula.