Retraction (adduction) in scapular movement refers to which action?

Retraction (adduction) in scapular movement refers to which action?

• A. Scapula moves toward the spine (shoulder blades together)
• B. Scapula moves away from the spine
• C. Scapula moves upward
• D. Scapula moves downward

Answer: (A)

Retracting the scapula means pulling it toward the midline of the body, toward the spine. This is adduction of the scapula, so the shoulder blades come closer together. You can feel it when you squeeze your shoulder blades back, like pinching a pencil between them. The primary movers are the middle fibers of the trapezius and the rhomboids, with some help from the lower trapezius. Moving the scapula away from the spine is protraction, while upward or downward movements involve rotation of the scapula rather than this adduction.

Retracting the scapula means pulling it toward the midline of the body, toward the spine. This is adduction of the scapula, so the shoulder blades come closer together. You can feel it when you squeeze your shoulder blades back, like pinching a pencil between them. The primary movers are the middle fibers of the trapezius and the rhomboids, with some help from the lower trapezius. Moving the scapula away from the spine is protraction, while upward or downward movements involve rotation of the scapula rather than this adduction.