Washington Esthetician State Board Practice Exam

A function of the trapezius muscle is to?

1. Support the head and neck

2. Flex the arms

3. Swing the arms

4. Close the mouth

The correct answer is: Swing the arms

The trapezius muscle, which is found in the upper back and neck region, primarily functions to support the head and neck. Its key actions include elevating, retracting, and rotating the scapula, which plays a vital role in stabilizing the shoulder girdle and providing support during arm movements. While the trapezius does engage in some actions related to arm movement by assisting in shoulder elevation, flexion and swinging of the arms (as mentioned in the provided options) are not its primary functions. The muscle is not involved in closing the mouth, as that action is predominantly performed by muscles such as the masseter and temporalis. The correct understanding of the trapezius muscle's role in supporting the head and neck is integral for students, especially for practical applications in esthetics, where proper posture and muscle function can impact client care and services.