Scapular posterior tilt is produced by which muscles?

Scapular posterior tilt is produced by which muscles?

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

Answer: (A)

Posterior tilt of the scapula comes from the coordinated action of the lower trapezius and serratus anterior. The lower trapezius pulls the scapula in a way that tips its superior border backward and helps position the inferior angle for this tilt. The serratus anterior, especially its lower fibers, attaches near the inferior angle and works to tilt the scapula posteriorly as it protracts and stabilizes the shoulder blade against the rib cage. Together, they create the posterior tilt needed for efficient arm elevation and shoulder stability. Other options don’t produce this motion primarily: pectoralis minor tends to pull the scapula into anterior tilt; upper trapezius mainly elevates and upwardly rotates; latissimus dorsi and teres major focus on humeral movement and scapular depression rather than posterior tilt; infraspinatus and teres minor are external rotators of the arm and do not drive posterior tilt.

Posterior tilt of the scapula comes from the coordinated action of the lower trapezius and serratus anterior. The lower trapezius pulls the scapula in a way that tips its superior border backward and helps position the inferior angle for this tilt. The serratus anterior, especially its lower fibers, attaches near the inferior angle and works to tilt the scapula posteriorly as it protracts and stabilizes the shoulder blade against the rib cage. Together, they create the posterior tilt needed for efficient arm elevation and shoulder stability.

Other options don’t produce this motion primarily: pectoralis minor tends to pull the scapula into anterior tilt; upper trapezius mainly elevates and upwardly rotates; latissimus dorsi and teres major focus on humeral movement and scapular depression rather than posterior tilt; infraspinatus and teres minor are external rotators of the arm and do not drive posterior tilt.