Which muscle works together to abduct the shoulder?

Study for the Muscle Actions and Functions – Anatomy and Movement Test. Equip yourself with multiple choice questions, each with detailed explanations and hints. Prepare confidently for your exam!

Multiple Choice

Which muscle works together to abduct the shoulder?

Explanation:
Abduction of the shoulder is carried out mainly by the deltoid, especially its middle fibers, which lift the arm away from the body. The supraspinatus starts the movement in the first part of the range, and the deltoid continues the lift through most of the arc. The other options don’t primarily abduct the shoulder: the biceps brachii and triceps brachii are mainly elbow movers (with the biceps also assisting shoulder movements in some positions), and pectoralis major tends to adduct and internally rotate the arm. So the deltoid best fits the role of producing shoulder abduction.

Abduction of the shoulder is carried out mainly by the deltoid, especially its middle fibers, which lift the arm away from the body. The supraspinatus starts the movement in the first part of the range, and the deltoid continues the lift through most of the arc. The other options don’t primarily abduct the shoulder: the biceps brachii and triceps brachii are mainly elbow movers (with the biceps also assisting shoulder movements in some positions), and pectoralis major tends to adduct and internally rotate the arm. So the deltoid best fits the role of producing shoulder abduction.

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