Name a muscle that protracts the scapula.

• A. Serratus anterior
• B. Rhomboids
• C. Trapezius
• D. Levator scapulae

Answer: (A)

Protraction of the scapula means moving the shoulder blade forward along the rib cage. The serratus anterior does this most effectively: it attaches to the outer surfaces of the upper ribs and to the anterior medial border of the scapula, so when it contracts it pulls the scapula forward around the thorax and keeps it pressed against the chest wall. This action is essential for reaching forward or punching movements and for stabilizing the scapula during arm elevation.

Rhomboids pull the scapula toward the spine (retraction) and downwardly rotate it, so they don’t protract. The trapezius has multiple roles (upper fibers elevate, middle fibers retract, lower fibers depress and upwardly rotate), not primarily protraction. Levator scapulae elevates the scapula and downwardly rotates it, not protracting.