How to Pronounce Levator Scapulae

Say it like this: leh-VAY-tor SKAP-yoo-lee. The stress falls on the second syllable of the first word (VAY) and the first syllable of the second word (SKAP). Think of it as 'leh-VAY-tor' (like 'elevator' without the 'e' at the start) plus 'SKAP-yoo-lee' (rhymes with 'happy').

Many people stress the first syllable and say 'LEV-ay-tor' instead of 'leh-VAY-tor.' Remember: the stress moves to the second syllable, just like in the word 'elevator.' Also, 'scapulae' is sometimes mispronounced as 'SKAP-uh-lay' when it should be 'SKAP-yoo-lee.'

Break it into four syllables: le-VA-tor SCA-pu-lae. The first word 'levator' has three syllables (leh-VAY-tor), and the second word 'scapulae' has three syllables (SKAP-yoo-lee), but when you say them together, the pattern flows naturally.

'Levator' comes from Latin and means 'lifter' or 'something that raises.' 'Scapulae' is the Latin plural of 'scapula,' which means 'shoulder blade.' So the whole term literally means 'the lifter of the shoulder blade.'

It's a muscle that does exactly what its name says—it lifts your shoulder blade upward. Think of it as your body's built-in shoulder shrug muscle.

You can shorten it to just 'levator' when the context is clear, or use the abbreviation 'LS.' However, in anatomy discussions, people usually say the full name 'levator scapulae' to be specific.

Other muscles that 'lift' things also use the word 'levator'—like 'levator ani' (a pelvic floor muscle) or 'levator palpebrae' (the muscle that lifts your eyelid). Anytime you see 'levator,' it means something that raises or elevates.

You might hear: 'The physical therapist showed me a stretch for my levator scapulae.' Or: 'Your levator scapulae helps you shrug your shoulders up toward your ears.'