Which muscles rotate the scapula downward?

Which muscles rotate the scapula downward?

• A. Upper trapezius
• B. Lower trapezius
• C. Rhomboids, levator scapulae, and pectoralis minor
• D. Serratus anterior

Answer: (C)

Downward rotation of the scapula is produced by muscles that pull the scapula toward the spine and tilt it so the inferior angle moves medially and the glenoid faces downward. The rhomboids (major and minor) attach along the medial border and vertebrae and when they contract, they retract the scapula and rotate it downward, directly contributing to this motion. The levator scapulae, while primarily elevating the scapula, also helps drive downward rotation when the shoulder girdle moves in positions that require that downward tilt, working in concert with the rhomboids. The pectoralis minor pulls the coracoid process forward and downward, tilting the scapula and promoting downward rotation of the shoulder blade. In contrast, the upper trapezius elevates the scapula and tends to upwardly rotate it; the lower trapezius depresses and upwardly rotates, which also favors upward rotation; and the serratus anterior protracts the scapula and aids in upward rotation.

Downward rotation of the scapula is produced by muscles that pull the scapula toward the spine and tilt it so the inferior angle moves medially and the glenoid faces downward. The rhomboids (major and minor) attach along the medial border and vertebrae and when they contract, they retract the scapula and rotate it downward, directly contributing to this motion. The levator scapulae, while primarily elevating the scapula, also helps drive downward rotation when the shoulder girdle moves in positions that require that downward tilt, working in concert with the rhomboids. The pectoralis minor pulls the coracoid process forward and downward, tilting the scapula and promoting downward rotation of the shoulder blade.

In contrast, the upper trapezius elevates the scapula and tends to upwardly rotate it; the lower trapezius depresses and upwardly rotates, which also favors upward rotation; and the serratus anterior protracts the scapula and aids in upward rotation.