Which muscles are the primary retractors of the scapula?

Which muscles are the primary retractors of the scapula?

• A. Lower trapezius and serratus anterior
• B. Upper trapezius and levator scapulae
• C. Middle trapezius and rhomboids
• D. Pectoralis minor and latissimus dorsi

Answer: (C)

Retracting the scapula means pulling the shoulder blades toward the spine. The muscles that do this most directly are the middle fibers of the trapezius and the rhomboid muscles. The middle trapezius attaches along the medial border of the scapula and pulls it inward toward the vertebral column. The rhomboids—major and minor—attach to the medial border as well and likewise draw the scapula medially. Together they provide the strongest, most direct retraction. Other muscles move the scapula in different directions. Serratus anterior and pectoralis minor protract the scapula (pull it forward). The upper trapezius and levator scapulae mainly elevate the scapula (and influence its rotation), while latissimus dorsi tends to depress and downward-rotate rather than retract. So the middle trapezius and rhomboids are the best fit for primary retraction.

Retracting the scapula means pulling the shoulder blades toward the spine. The muscles that do this most directly are the middle fibers of the trapezius and the rhomboid muscles. The middle trapezius attaches along the medial border of the scapula and pulls it inward toward the vertebral column. The rhomboids—major and minor—attach to the medial border as well and likewise draw the scapula medially. Together they provide the strongest, most direct retraction.

Other muscles move the scapula in different directions. Serratus anterior and pectoralis minor protract the scapula (pull it forward). The upper trapezius and levator scapulae mainly elevate the scapula (and influence its rotation), while latissimus dorsi tends to depress and downward-rotate rather than retract. So the middle trapezius and rhomboids are the best fit for primary retraction.