Which combination of muscles elevates the scapula?

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

Answer: (B)

Elevation of the scapula is produced mainly by muscles that pull the scapula upward, especially at the medial border and the superior angle. The levator scapulae lifts the superior angle of the scapula, and the upper trapezius elevates the scapula by lifting the medial border and clavicle-acromion area during a shrug. When these two work together, they produce the strongest and most upward movement of the scapula.

The other options don’t create upward elevation. Lower trapezius and pectoralis minor tend to depress and downwardly rotate the scapula, not elevate it. Serratus anterior mainly protracts the scapula and helps with upward rotation, but not the upward elevation itself.