Which term describes scapular movement where the shoulder blades move toward the spine?

Which term describes scapular movement where the shoulder blades move toward the spine?

• A. Retraction
• B. Protraction
• C. Elevation
• D. Depression

Answer: (A)

Retracting the scapula means moving the shoulder blades toward the spine. It’s the action you feel when you pinch your shoulder blades together, such as during a rowing movement. The muscles that typically produce this motion are the rhomboids and the middle portion of the trapezius, which pull the scapulae medially (toward the spine) and toward each other. This is different from protraction, where the shoulder blades move away from the spine (like pushing forward). Elevation is lifting the shoulders up, and depression is lowering them. Since the question specifies movement of the shoulder blades toward the spine, retraction is the correct term.

Retracting the scapula means moving the shoulder blades toward the spine. It’s the action you feel when you pinch your shoulder blades together, such as during a rowing movement. The muscles that typically produce this motion are the rhomboids and the middle portion of the trapezius, which pull the scapulae medially (toward the spine) and toward each other.

This is different from protraction, where the shoulder blades move away from the spine (like pushing forward). Elevation is lifting the shoulders up, and depression is lowering them. Since the question specifies movement of the shoulder blades toward the spine, retraction is the correct term.