What nerve innervates the levator scapulae?

The levator scapulae muscle is primarily innervated by the dorsal scapular nerve, which arises from the brachial plexus, specifically from the C5 spinal nerve. Additionally, it receives sensory fibers from the ventral rami of the C3 and C4 spinal nerves. This dual innervation is significant because it means the muscle can engage effectively due to signals from both the brachial plexus and cervical spinal nerves, contributing to functions such as elevating the scapula and assisting in neck movements.

Understanding this relationship is important, as it highlights the complexity of muscle innervation and the interplay between various nerves in the cervical and upper limb regions. The other nerves listed do not have a role in innervating the levator scapulae, as they either stimulate different muscles or belong to different functional groups entirely.