Which description corresponds to downward rotation of the scapula?

Which description corresponds to downward rotation of the scapula?

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

Answer: (A)

Downward rotation of the scapula occurs when the inferior angle moves toward the midline (medially) and downward as the scapula rotates so that the glenoid fossa faces more downward. This is what happens when you lower the arm from an overhead position. The opposite description—inferior angle moving laterally and upward—describes upward rotation. Descriptions about the scapula moving toward or away from the spine refer to medial or lateral movement of the entire bone, not the rotational change. So the description with the inferior angle moving medially and downward best captures downward rotation.

Downward rotation of the scapula occurs when the inferior angle moves toward the midline (medially) and downward as the scapula rotates so that the glenoid fossa faces more downward. This is what happens when you lower the arm from an overhead position. The opposite description—inferior angle moving laterally and upward—describes upward rotation. Descriptions about the scapula moving toward or away from the spine refer to medial or lateral movement of the entire bone, not the rotational change. So the description with the inferior angle moving medially and downward best captures downward rotation.