Which movement lengthens the levator scapula fibers on the right side?

Which movement lengthens the levator scapula fibers on the right side?

• A. Rotation to the left
• B. Rotation to the right
• C. Flexion
• D. Extension

Answer: (A)

Lengthening a muscle that crosses from the neck to the scapula happens when you move the head away from the side of the muscle. The fibers of the levator scapula on the right run from the cervical vertebrae to the superior angle of the scapula. Rotating the head to the left moves the neck opposite the right-side fibers, increasing the distance between their origin and insertion and placing those fibers on slack. That makes this movement lengthen the right levator scapula fibers. Rotating to the right would shorten the right fibers, and flexion or extension of the neck doesn’t place the muscle in a lengthened position along its path.

Lengthening a muscle that crosses from the neck to the scapula happens when you move the head away from the side of the muscle. The fibers of the levator scapula on the right run from the cervical vertebrae to the superior angle of the scapula. Rotating the head to the left moves the neck opposite the right-side fibers, increasing the distance between their origin and insertion and placing those fibers on slack. That makes this movement lengthen the right levator scapula fibers. Rotating to the right would shorten the right fibers, and flexion or extension of the neck doesn’t place the muscle in a lengthened position along its path.