Definition of Cowl muscle
1. Noun. Either of two flat triangular muscles of the shoulder and upper back that are involved in moving the shoulders and arms.
Medical Definition of Cowl muscle
1.
Origin, medial third of superior nuchal line, external occipital protuberance, ligamentum nuchae, spinous processes of seventh cervical and the thoracic vertebrae and corresponding supraspinous ligaments; insertion, lateral third of posterior surface of clavicle, anterior side of acromion, and upper and medial border of the spine of the scapula; action, when scapulae are fixed, portions of muscle can act independently: cervical portion elevates scapula, thoracic portion contributes to depression of scapula; upper and lowermost portions act simultaneously to rotate glenoid fossa superiorly; when the entire muscle and especially middle part contracts, the scapulae retract; draws head to one side or backward; nerve supply, motor by accessory, sensory by cervical plexus.
Synonym: musculus trapezius, cowl muscle, trapezius.
(05 Mar 2000)
Lexicographical Neighbors of Cowl Muscle
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