Study location, origin, insertion, action and palpation together. Attachment wording may vary slightly by anatomy text while referring to the same structures.
O: occipital/nuchal region and C7-T12 spinous processes. I: lateral clavicle, acromion, scapular spine. A: upper fibers elevate/upwardly rotate scapula; middle retract; lower depress and assist upward rotation; cervical actions vary with fixation. Palpation: superficial posterior neck/upper back. Routine: Trap Knead, Trap & Supra Roll, Trap Wipers.
O: transverse processes C1-C4. I: superior medial scapular border/angle. A: scapular elevation and downward rotation; assists ipsilateral cervical lateral flexion. Palpation: superior angle toward upper cervical region.
O: lower cervical/upper thoracic spinous processes. I: medial scapular border. A: retraction, downward rotation, stabilization. Palpation: medial border to spine during gentle retraction. Routine: Rhomboid Rub.
O: lateral clavicle, acromion, scapular spine. I: deltoid tuberosity. A: middle abducts; anterior flexes/internally rotates; posterior extends/externally rotates shoulder.
O: supraspinous fossa. I: greater tubercle. A: assists initiation of abduction and stabilizes humeral head. Palpation: superior to scapular spine, deep to trapezius.
O: infraspinous fossa. I: greater tubercle. A: external rotation and stabilization. Routine: Infra Glide.
O: lateral scapular border. I: greater tubercle. A: external rotation, assists adduction, stabilization.
O: subscapular fossa. I: lesser tubercle. A: internal rotation, assists adduction, stabilization. Deep/sensitive access requires precise anatomy and consent.
O: inferior angle/lower lateral scapula. I: medial lip of intertubercular groove. A: extension, adduction, internal rotation.
O: broad lower thoracic/lumbar, thoracolumbar fascia, iliac crest and lower rib region. I: intertubercular groove region. A: shoulder extension, adduction, internal rotation.
O: medial clavicle, sternum, upper costal cartilages. I: lateral lip of intertubercular groove. A: adduction/internal rotation; clavicular fibers assist flexion. Routine: Pec Glide. Sensitive-area consent/draping required.
O: ribs 3-5. I: coracoid process. A: draws scapula anterior/inferior and stabilizes it against thorax.
O: manubrium and medial clavicle. I: mastoid process/lateral superior nuchal line. A: bilateral cervical flexion; unilateral ipsilateral lateral flexion and contralateral rotation. Routine: SCM Cross. Avoid carotid/anterior-neck compression.
O: cervical transverse processes. I: first/second ribs. A: cervical lateral flexion and accessory inspiration. Conservative pressure due to sensitive neurovascular anatomy.
Rectus capitis posterior major/minor and obliquus capitis superior/inferior connect the upper cervical region and occiput and provide fine extension/rotation control. Routine: Occipital Cross, Suboccipital Hold, Occipital Ease.
O: zygomatic arch. I: lateral ramus/angle of mandible. A: elevates mandible. Routine: Jaw Ease.
O: short head coracoid; long head supraglenoid tubercle. I: radial tuberosity/bicipital aponeurosis. A: elbow flexion, supination, assists shoulder flexion. Routine: Bicep Knead.
O: distal anterior humerus. I: proximal ulna. A: elbow flexion.
O: long head infraglenoid tubercle; other heads posterior humerus. I: olecranon. A: elbow extension; long head assists shoulder extension/adduction.
O: lateral supracondylar ridge. I: distal radius near styloid. A: elbow flexion, especially in neutral forearm position.