In human anatomy, the trapezius is a large superficial muscle which extens longitudinally from the occipital bone to the lower thoracic vertebrae, and laterally to the spine of the scapula (shoulder blade). The trapezius has 3 functional regions: The superior region (descending part) supports the weight of the upper limb. The intermediate region (transverse part) retracts the scapulae. The inferior region (ascending part) medially rotates and depresses the scapulae.