Which description corresponds to upward rotation of the scapula?

Which description corresponds to upward rotation of the scapula?

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

Answer: (B)

Upward rotation of the scapula occurs when the inferior angle moves away from the spine (lateral) and upward as the shoulder girdle rotates to allow arm elevation. This rotation tilts the glenoid fossa upward to help raise the arm. So the description in which the inferior angle moves laterally and upward captures the key feature of upward rotation. Downward rotation would be the inferior angle moving medially and downward, while movement toward or away from the spine describes retraction or protraction, not the rotation itself.

Upward rotation of the scapula occurs when the inferior angle moves away from the spine (lateral) and upward as the shoulder girdle rotates to allow arm elevation. This rotation tilts the glenoid fossa upward to help raise the arm. So the description in which the inferior angle moves laterally and upward captures the key feature of upward rotation. Downward rotation would be the inferior angle moving medially and downward, while movement toward or away from the spine describes retraction or protraction, not the rotation itself.