Upper Back
Descending part of right trapezius
de-SEN-ding part of right tra-PEE-zee-us
The descending part of the right trapezius fibers slope from occiput to right scapula, depressing and upwardly rotating the scapula. Essential for balanced shoulder mechanics in bilateral lifts.
Open in 3D ViewerCommon Pain & Injury
Right upper back ache pulling or shrugging. See doc if with dizziness or arm symptoms.
Anatomy & Function
Origin
Occipital bone, nuchal ligament, C7-T3 spinous processes
Insertion
Right acromion, clavicle, scapular spine
Actions
- Right scapular depression
- Upward scapular rotation
- Retracts scapula slightly
Innervation
CN XI, C3-C4
Muscle Relationships
Antagonists
Levator scapulaeUpper trapezius (opposing)
Synergists
Serratus anterior
Trigger Points
Neck-scapula junction; refers right jaw, eye.
Stretches
1Side neck stretch right
2Scap squeeze release
3Wall slide
Common Conditions
Trapezius myofascial syndromeWinging scapula
Anatomical Parts
Descending part of right trapezius
FAQ
What does descending trapezius do?
Lowers and rotates shoulder blade up.
Right trap descending pain?
From imbalanced pulls or desk work.
Exercises for Descending part of right trapezius
15

Barbell Shrug
beginner·barbell


Barbell Shrug Behind The Back
beginner·barbell


Cable Shrugs
beginner·cable


Calf-Machine Shoulder Shrug
beginner·machine


Clean Shrug
beginner·barbell


Dumbbell Shrug
beginner·dumbbell


Kettlebell Sumo High Pull
intermediate·kettlebells


Leverage Shrug
beginner·machine


Scapular Pull-Up
beginner


Smith Machine Behind the Back Shrug
beginner·machine


Smith Machine Upright Row
beginner·machine


Snatch Shrug
intermediate·barbell


Standing Dumbbell Upright Row
beginner·dumbbell


Upright Cable Row
intermediate·cable


Upright Row - With Bands
beginner·bands
Also Works Descending part of right trapezius
10

Alternating Hang Clean
intermediate·kettlebells


Anti-Gravity Press
beginner·barbell


Arm Circles
beginner


Atlas Stones
expert·other


Axle Deadlift
intermediate·other


Band Pull Apart
beginner·bands


Barbell Deadlift
intermediate·barbell


Bent Over Low-Pulley Side Lateral
beginner·cable


Bent Over One-Arm Long Bar Row
beginner·barbell


Cable Seated Lateral Raise
beginner·cable
Related Upper Back Muscles
Ascending part of left trapezius
Upper fibers of left trapezius elevate and retract scapula for shrugs and pulls. Key for posture and overhead strength. Left-side focus corrects imbalances.
Descending part of left trapezius
The descending part of the left trapezius fibers run downward from neck to scapula on the left side, aiding scapular depression and upward rotation. Key for pull-ups and lat work, preventing shoulder hike.
iliocostalis thoracis
Iliocostalis thoracis, mid erector spinae, runs parallel to spine from low-mid back to upper ribs, aiding thoracic extension and breathing. Supports rows, pulls, and posture in upper body training.
interspinalis thoracis
Tiny interspinalis thoracis muscles between thoracic spinous processes fine-tune extension.
longissimus thoracis
The longest erector spinae muscle, running parallel to the spine from sacrum to mid-back, it extends the spine and maintains upright posture. Essential for deadlifts, squats, and spinal stability in powerlifting. Weakness leads to back rounding under load.
rhomboid major
The rhomboid major is a diamond-shaped muscle between your shoulder blades, retracting the scapula for better posture. It stabilizes during rows, pull-ups, and presses, countering slouched shoulders in gym-goers. Weak rhomboids lead to rounded posture and shoulder issues.
rhomboid minor
The rhomboid minor, above the major, connects upper thoracic spine to the shoulder blade's inner border. It retracts and stabilizes the scapula during upper body pulls. Essential for posture correction in lifters with desk jobs.
semispinalis thoracis
Semispinalis thoracis is a deep erector spinae muscle from thoracic spine, extending the vertebral column. Maintains thoracic posture during deadlifts and rows. Prevents slouching in prolonged sitting.
Upper Back Pain Guide
Common causes and relief
Activities & Sports
See which activities use Descending part of right trapezius