The levator scapulae originates from the dorsal tubercles of the transverse processes of cervical vertebrae one to four. The muscle is inserted into medial border of the scapula extending from superior angle to junction of spine and medial border of scapula.

The levator scapulae may lie deep to the sternocleidomastoideus at its origin, deep or adjacent to the splenius capitis at its origin and mid-portion, and deep to the trapezius in its lower portion.

DM: Digastric muscle; EAC: External auditory canal; IOM: Obliquus capitis inferior muscle; LEM: levator scapulae muscle; MP: mastoid process; SOM: Obliquus capitis superior muscle.