© 2013 T. Westermann

Trapezius muscle

[Muskulus trapezius]

Anatomy:

• The trapezius [Musculus trapezius] is a flat trapezoidal muscle. It belongs to the posterior group of the shoulder girdle muscles. It owes its name to the fact that the two triangular individual muscles of the left and right sides together form a trapezoid. The trapezius rotates the lower part of the shoulder blade to the outside and is therefore important for the elevation of the arm more than 90 °.

Attack:

• Hand edge strike (Tegatana ate) or Hammer fist strike (Kentsui ate)
  Pincer grip in the transition region from shoulder to neck

Consequence:

• Muscle pain; stretch reflex and so vibration of the skull

Comment:

• With very powerful strikes a whiplash injury is possible