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Scapula / Clavicle
Chapter 4 – Muscles That Move the Upper Extremity

Muscles Acting On TVP=Transverse process of vertebra, SP=Spinous process of vertebra

Scapula / Clavicle Origin Insertion Action
Trapezius Upper: Occiput, nuchal ligament, Upper: Lateral ⅓ of clavicle Upper fibers: Elevation & upward
and SP of C7 rotation of the scapula
moves the scapula Middle: Acromion of scapula and
(also moves the neck) Middle: SP’s of T1-T4 Middle fibers: Retraction (adduction)
Lower: SP’s of T5-T12 spine of scapula
(lateral superior portion) Lower fibers: Depression &
Has 3 parts: upward rotation
Upper Fibers Overall description: Lower: Spine of scapula
Middle Fibers Occiput, nuchal ligament, and (medial inferior portion) All fibers: Stabilize and retract
Lower Fibers SP’s of C7-T12 the scapula
Overall description:
(Occipital attachment is the external Lateral clavicle, acromion and (When the scapula is fixed:
occipital protuberance and medial 1/3 spine of scapula The upper trapezius moves the
of superior nuchal line) head & neck -- See Muscle Group 7)
Levator Scapula TVP’s of C1-C4 Superior angle of the scapula Elevation and downward rotation
of the scapula.
moves the scapula (and upper medial border of scapula)
(also moves the neck)
(When scapula is fixed:
Moves the neck -- See Group 7)

Rhomboids Minor: SP’s of C7, T1 Medial (vertebral) border of the Retraction (adduction) and
Major: SP’s of T2-T5 scapula elevation of the scapula.
move the scapula
Rhomboid Minor Overall description: (Also assists downward rotation of
Rhomboid Major SP’s of C7-T5 the scapula)

(deep to mid. trapezius)

Serratus Anterior Ribs #1 - 8 or 9 Medial (vertebral) border of the Protraction (abduction) and
scapula (on the anterior side) upward rotation of the scapula.
moves the scapula (anteriolateral surfaces) Stabilizes the scapula.
Mastering Muscles & Movement

Pectoralis Minor Anterior ribs #3-5 Coracoid process of scapula Anterior tilt (i.e., draws scapula
forward, downward, and inward).
moves the scapula
(deep to pec major) Assists depression of scapula.

When scapula is fixed: Assists in

forced inhalation.
Subclavius Rib #1 Inferior aspect of clavicle Depresses the clavicle.
Stabilizes the sternoclavicular
stabilizes the clavicle (medial portion at its junction with joint.
costal cartilage)
809A
(larger illustrations
on page 75)
Table 1 (A) - Scapula / Clavicle - Origin, Insertion, Action