# Rare Anatomic Variation of the Levator Claviculae Muscle

**Authors:** Nathaniel G Blanchard, Jenna Farnum, Tristan Packard, Abby L Cummings, William McMillan, Libby J Bradley, Nicole L Geske

PMC · DOI: 10.7759/cureus.87022 · Cureus · 2025-06-30

## TL;DR

This case report describes a rare anatomical variation of the levator claviculae muscle in a 98-year-old male donor.

## Contribution

The study presents a novel anatomical observation of the levator claviculae muscle's origin and innervation.

## Key findings

- The levator claviculae originated from the posterior belly of the levator scapulae and inserted onto the inferior clavicle.
- Branches of the cervical plexus innervated both the levator scapulae and the levator claviculae.
- The report emphasizes the clinical significance of such anatomical variations in medical practice.

## Abstract

Variations regarding cervical musculature have been well documented in the literature, including the presence of a levator claviculae muscle within the lateral neck. This case report presents an example of levator claviculae that was discovered during the prosection of a 98-year-old male anatomical donor. This accessory muscle was located in the left cervical region and originated from the posterior belly of the levator scapulae, traversed along the anterior border of the trapezius, and inserted onto the inferior clavicle. Branches of the cervical plexus were noted to innervate both the levator scapulae and the levator claviculae. This report reviews these cervical anatomical variations and highlights their clinical significance. By presenting this case, we aim to increase awareness of unusual anatomical variations, which may aid in reducing the potential for misdiagnosis or confusion among healthcare professionals.

## Full-text entities

- **Diseases:** node (MESH:D012804), compression (MESH:D009408), tumor (MESH:D009369), SCM (MESH:C535977), pain (MESH:D010146), pathological mass (MESH:C536030), TOS (MESH:D013901)
- **Species:** Homo sapiens (human, species) [taxon 9606]

## Full text

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## Figures

3 figures with captions in the complete paper: https://tomesphere.com/paper/PMC12309322/full.md

## References

13 references — full list in the complete paper: https://tomesphere.com/paper/PMC12309322/full.md

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Source: https://tomesphere.com/paper/PMC12309322