Which pair of muscles retracts the scapula?

• A. Rhomboids and middle trapezius
• B. Serratus anterior and pectoralis minor
• C. Upper trapezius and levator scapulae
• D. Latissimus dorsi and teres major

Answer: (A)

Retracting the scapula means pulling it toward the spine, squeezing the shoulder blades together. The best pair for this action are the rhomboids (major and minor) and the middle fibers of the trapezius. The rhomboids originate along the spine and attach to the medial border of the scapula, so when they contract they pull the scapula medially and slightly downward, producing retraction. The middle trapezius also attaches to the scapula and pulls the medial edge toward the spine, reinforcing the retraction.

The other options don’t primarily do scapular retraction. Serratus anterior and pectoralis minor work to protract the scapula (pull it away from the spine) and stabilize it in different positions. Upper trapezius and levator scapulae elevate the scapula, not retract it. Latissimus dorsi and teres major mainly move the arm and can influence scapular position indirectly, but they are not primary retractors.