What nerve innervates the levator scapulae?

What nerve innervates the levator scapulae?

• A. Dorsal scapular nerve (C5)
• B. Long thoracic nerve (C5-C7)
• C. Accessory nerve (CN XI)
• D. Nerve to subclavius (C5-C6)

Answer: (A)

Levator scapulae is supplied primarily by the dorsal scapular nerve, which arises from the C5 root (often with some C4 contribution). This nerve runs to the deep surface of the scapular region to innervate the levator scapulae as well as the rhomboid muscles, fitting its role in elevating the scapula and depressing the glenoid cavity. The other nerves listed don’t innervate this muscle: the long thoracic nerve goes to serratus anterior, the accessory nerve supplies trapezius, and the nerve to subclavius goes to subclavius.

Levator scapulae is supplied primarily by the dorsal scapular nerve, which arises from the C5 root (often with some C4 contribution). This nerve runs to the deep surface of the scapular region to innervate the levator scapulae as well as the rhomboid muscles, fitting its role in elevating the scapula and depressing the glenoid cavity. The other nerves listed don’t innervate this muscle: the long thoracic nerve goes to serratus anterior, the accessory nerve supplies trapezius, and the nerve to subclavius goes to subclavius.