Protraction (abduction) in scapular movement refers to which action?

Protraction (abduction) in scapular movement refers to which action?

• A. Scapula moves away from the spine (shoulder blades forward)
• B. Scapula moves toward the spine (retraction)
• C. Scapula moves upward (elevation)
• D. Scapula moves downward (depression)

Answer: (A)

Protraction of the scapula is the forward sliding of the shoulder blade along the rib cage, moving it away from the spine. This is the abduction of the scapula—think reaching forward or pushing something away, where the medial border of the scapula moves laterally and the scapula rotates so its front faces more anteriorly. The serratus anterior is the main muscle driving this motion. By contrast, retraction brings the scapulae toward the spine, while elevation lifts the shoulders and depression lowers them.

Protraction of the scapula is the forward sliding of the shoulder blade along the rib cage, moving it away from the spine. This is the abduction of the scapula—think reaching forward or pushing something away, where the medial border of the scapula moves laterally and the scapula rotates so its front faces more anteriorly. The serratus anterior is the main muscle driving this motion. By contrast, retraction brings the scapulae toward the spine, while elevation lifts the shoulders and depression lowers them.