Scapular anterior tilt is driven primarily by which muscles?

Scapular anterior tilt is driven primarily by which muscles?

• A. Lower trapezius and serratus anterior
• B. Pectoralis minor and upper trapezius dominance
• C. Latissimus dorsi and teres major
• D. Rhomboids and middle trapezius

Answer: (B)

Scapular anterior tilt occurs mainly when the pectoralis minor pulls the scapula forward, tipping it anteriorly. This muscle attaches from ribs 3–5 to the coracoid process, so its contraction draws the coracoid and medial border forward and downward, promoting anterior tilt. When serratus anterior and lower trapezius aren’t doing their posterior-tilt and stabilizing work, and there’s dominance of the pectoralis minor (often with upper trapezius taking over elevation/overactivity), the scapula is driven toward that anterior tilt position. Other muscles listed don’t drive this tilt. The lower trapezius and serratus anterior oppose anterior tilt by promoting posterior tilt and upward rotation, so they don’t cause the forward tipping. Latissimus dorsi and teres major influence shoulder movement more through humeral action and are not primary drivers of scapular tilt. Rhomboids and middle trapezius mainly retract and stabilize the scapula rather than tilt it forward.

Scapular anterior tilt occurs mainly when the pectoralis minor pulls the scapula forward, tipping it anteriorly. This muscle attaches from ribs 3–5 to the coracoid process, so its contraction draws the coracoid and medial border forward and downward, promoting anterior tilt. When serratus anterior and lower trapezius aren’t doing their posterior-tilt and stabilizing work, and there’s dominance of the pectoralis minor (often with upper trapezius taking over elevation/overactivity), the scapula is driven toward that anterior tilt position.

Other muscles listed don’t drive this tilt. The lower trapezius and serratus anterior oppose anterior tilt by promoting posterior tilt and upward rotation, so they don’t cause the forward tipping. Latissimus dorsi and teres major influence shoulder movement more through humeral action and are not primary drivers of scapular tilt. Rhomboids and middle trapezius mainly retract and stabilize the scapula rather than tilt it forward.