Upward rotation in scapular movement is characterized by which description?

Upward rotation in scapular movement is characterized by which description?

• A. Scapula moves toward the spine (retraction)
• B. Inferior angle of scapula moves laterally and upward (arm raised overhead)
• C. Inferior angle moves medially and downward
• D. Scapula moves away from the spine

Answer: (B)

Upward rotation of the scapula is defined by the inferior angle moving laterally and upward as the arm is raised. This positioning tilts the shoulder blade so the glenoid fossa faces more upward, allowing full overhead elevation and reducing risk of impingement. The other descriptions refer to different movements: moving the scapula toward the spine is retraction, moving the inferior angle medially and downward is downward rotation, and moving the scapula away from the spine is protraction. When you lift the arm overhead, you typically see the bottom of the scapula swing outward and upward, which is upward rotation.

Upward rotation of the scapula is defined by the inferior angle moving laterally and upward as the arm is raised. This positioning tilts the shoulder blade so the glenoid fossa faces more upward, allowing full overhead elevation and reducing risk of impingement. The other descriptions refer to different movements: moving the scapula toward the spine is retraction, moving the inferior angle medially and downward is downward rotation, and moving the scapula away from the spine is protraction. When you lift the arm overhead, you typically see the bottom of the scapula swing outward and upward, which is upward rotation.