Trapezius vs. Rhomboid — What's the Difference?
By Maham Liaqat & Fiza Rafique — Updated on May 3, 2024
The trapezius muscle spans the neck, shoulders, and back, aiding in head movement and scapula control; the rhomboid muscles, positioned deeper, primarily retract the scapula.
Difference Between Trapezius and Rhomboid
Table of Contents
ADVERTISEMENT
Key Differences
The trapezius muscle covers a large area from the base of the skull to the lower thoracic vertebrae and out to the shoulder blade, providing support and movement across the upper back and neck. The rhomboid muscles, smaller and located beneath the trapezius, specifically connect the spine to the medial edges of the shoulder blades.
While the trapezius helps in rotating, elevating, and retracting the scapula, it also facilitates neck extension and lateral neck flexion. On the other hand, the rhomboids are mainly responsible for retracting the scapula, drawing it towards the vertebral column.
The trapezius muscle is innervated by the accessory nerve (cranial nerve XI), which allows for a variety of movements involving the shoulders and head. In contrast, the rhomboid muscles are innervated by the dorsal scapular nerve, focusing control on scapula retraction and fixation.
The trapezius is crucial in many activities that involve upper limb movement and posture maintenance. Whereas the rhomboid muscles play a key role in stabilizing the shoulder blades, which is essential for the efficient use of the arms and shoulders.
The trapezius is thinner and covers more surface area, making it visible under the skin in well-developed individuals. The rhomboid muscles, however, are thicker and denser, hidden beneath the trapezius and not usually visible.
ADVERTISEMENT
Comparison Chart
Location
Upper back, neck, and shoulders
Between spine and scapula, under trapezius
Function
Moves neck, shoulders; stabilizes scapula
Retracts scapula
Innervation
Accessory nerve (cranial nerve XI)
Dorsal scapular nerve
Muscle Fibers
Horizontal and vertical
Mostly oblique
Visibility
Visible in muscular individuals
Typically not visible
Compare with Definitions
Trapezius
A major muscle extending from the occipital bone to the lower thoracic vertebrae and across to the scapula.
The bodybuilder's trapezius muscles were highly pronounced during the pose.
Rhomboid
Activates during scapula retraction.
Pulling his shoulders back, he activated his rhomboid muscles.
Trapezius
Visible in individuals with low body fat.
The athlete's trapezius was visible through his tank top.
Rhomboid
Connects the spine to the scapula and lies beneath the trapezius.
Her massage focused on the rhomboid muscles to relieve tension.
Trapezius
Innervated by the cranial accessory nerve.
Damage to the accessory nerve can impair trapezius function.
Rhomboid
Stabilizes the shoulder blades for arm use.
Good rhomboid strength is crucial for swimmers.
Trapezius
Supports arm and shoulder movements.
Lifting boxes primarily engaged his trapezius.
Rhomboid
Less visible and located deeper than the trapezius.
Unlike the trapezius, the rhomboid is not typically visible.
Trapezius
Helps in neck rotation and lateral flexion.
Turning her head to reverse the car, she felt her trapezius stretch.
Rhomboid
Innervated by the dorsal scapular nerve.
The dorsal scapular nerve ensures the functionality of the rhomboid muscles.
Trapezius
The trapezius is a large paired trapezoid-shaped surface muscle that extends longitudinally from the occipital bone to the lower thoracic vertebrae of the spine and laterally to the spine of the scapula. It moves the scapula and supports the arm.
Rhomboid
Traditionally, in two-dimensional geometry, a rhomboid is a parallelogram in which adjacent sides are of unequal lengths and angles are non-right angled. A parallelogram with sides of equal length (equilateral) is a rhombus but not a rhomboid.
Trapezius
Either of two large flat triangular muscles running from the base of the occiput to the middle of the back that support and make it possible to raise the head and shoulders.
Rhomboid
A parallelogram with unequal adjacent sides, especially one having oblique angles.
Trapezius
(anatomy) A large vertebrate skeletal muscle divided into an ascending, descending, and transverse portion, attaching the neck and central spine to the outer extremity of the scapula; it functions in scapular elevation, adduction, and depression.
The trapezius muscle resembles a trapezium (trapezoid in American English), or diamond-shaped quadrilateral. The word "spinotrapezius" refers to the human trapezius, although it is not commonly used in modern texts. In other mammals, it refers to a portion of the analogous muscle.
Rhomboid
Shaped like a rhombus or rhomboid.
Trapezius
Either of two flat triangular muscles of the shoulder and upper back that are involved in moving the shoulders and arms
Rhomboid
A parallelogram which is neither a rhombus nor a rectangle
Rhomboid
Any of several muscles that control the shoulders
Rhomboid
A solid shape which has rhombic faces
Rhomboid
Resembling, or shaped like a rhombus or rhomboid
Rhomboid
An oblique-angled parallelogram like a rhomb, but having only the opposite sides equal, the length and with being different.
Rhomboid
Same as Rhomboidal.
Rhomboid
A parallelogram with adjacent sides of unequal lengths; an oblique-angled parallelogram with only the opposite sides equal
Rhomboid
Any of several muscles of the upper back that help move the shoulder blade
Rhomboid
Shaped like a rhombus or rhomboid;
Rhomboidal shapes
Common Curiosities
What is the main function of the trapezius?
It facilitates movement of the neck and shoulders and stabilizes the scapula.
How does the trapezius muscle assist in head movement?
It helps in rotating and flexing the neck laterally.
What nerve innervates the trapezius muscle?
The accessory nerve, also known as cranial nerve XI.
Where are the rhomboid muscles located?
They are located between the spine and the scapula, beneath the trapezius.
Can you see the rhomboid muscles like the trapezius?
No, the rhomboids are generally not visible as they are deeper and covered by the trapezius.
How do the muscle fibers of the trapezius and rhomboid differ?
Trapezius fibers run horizontally and vertically, whereas rhomboid fibers are mostly oblique.
What is the specific role of the rhomboid muscles?
They primarily retract the scapula towards the spine.
What happens if the dorsal scapular nerve is damaged?
It can impair the function of the rhomboid muscles, affecting shoulder stability.
Can exercises targeting the trapezius affect the rhomboids?
Yes, many upper back exercises engage both the trapezius and rhomboids.
What kind of movements does the trapezius support?
It supports a wide range of movements involving the arms, shoulders, and neck.
What nerve controls the rhomboid muscles?
The dorsal scapular nerve.
What type of injuries commonly affect the trapezius muscle?
Strains and overuse injuries are common, especially in athletes.
Why is trapezius visibility significant in athletes?
It indicates low body fat and well-developed upper back muscles.
Are the functions of the trapezius and rhomboid muscles interdependent?
Yes, both contribute to scapular stability and function but have distinct roles.
How does strengthening the rhomboid muscles benefit posture?
It helps maintain proper shoulder alignment and back strength.
Share Your Discovery
Previous Comparison
Supply vs. Supplement
Next Comparison
Cumulonimbus vs. SupercellAuthor Spotlight
Written by
Maham Liaqat
Co-written by
Fiza RafiqueFiza Rafique is a skilled content writer at AskDifference.com, where she meticulously refines and enhances written pieces. Drawing from her vast editorial expertise, Fiza ensures clarity, accuracy, and precision in every article. Passionate about language, she continually seeks to elevate the quality of content for readers worldwide.
