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The serratus anterior muscle is a fan-shaped muscle that attaches the shoulder blade (scapula) to the rib cage. It originates from the first to eighth or ninth ribs and inserts at the anterior surface of the scapula. The serratus anterior muscle helps to move the scapula in various directions, including scapular protraction and scapular upward rotation, and is essential for proper shoulder function. It is also a key scapular stabiliser, keeping the shoulder blades against the rib cage during rest and movement.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Muscle shape | Fan-shaped |
| Location | Lateral wall of the thorax |
| Position | Deep under the scapula and the pectoral muscles |
| Origin | Superolateral surfaces of the first to eighth or ninth ribs |
| Insertion | Superior angle, medial border, and inferior angle of the scapula |
| Function | Scapular protraction and scapular upward rotation |
| Stabilization | Keeps the shoulder blades against the ribcage |
| Innervation | Long thoracic nerve |
| Blood supply | Thoracodorsal artery, superior thoracic artery, lateral thoracic artery |
| Common issues | Muscle pain due to tension, stress, or overuse |
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What You'll Learn
The serratus anterior muscle is a fan-shaped muscle
The serratus anterior is occasionally called the "big swing muscle" or the "boxer's muscle" because it is largely responsible for the protraction of the scapula, or the pulling of the scapula forward and around the rib cage that occurs when someone throws a punch. It is also a key scapular stabiliser, keeping the shoulder blades against the ribcage when at rest and during movement. It acts in concert with the upper and lower fibres of the trapezius muscle to sustain upward rotation of the scapula, which allows for overhead lifting.
The muscle is divided into three parts according to the points of insertion: the serratus anterior superior is inserted near the superior angle; the serratus anterior intermediate is inserted along the medial border; the serratus anterior inferior is inserted near the inferior angle. The inferior part of the muscle is the most prominent and powerful one. All three parts pull the scapula forward around the thorax, which is essential for anteversion of the arm.
The serratus anterior is innervated by the long thoracic nerve, a branch of the brachial plexus. The innervation for the serratus anterior is very easy to remember if you know the right mnemonics! 'SALT' stands for 'Serratus Anterior = Long Thoracic' and 'C5, 6, 7 raise your arms to heaven!' will help you remember the nerve roots associated with it.
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It originates from the first to eighth or ninth rib
The serratus anterior muscle originates from the first to the eighth or ninth rib at the lateral wall of the thorax. It is a fan-shaped muscle that wraps posteromedially around the ribcage, passing beneath the scapula to insert on the underside of the scapula on its medial border.
The serratus anterior is divided into three parts: the upper/superior, middle/intermedius, and lower/inferior. The upper part originates from the first and second ribs and extends to the superior angle of the scapula. The middle part originates from the second and third ribs and extends to the medial border of the scapula. The lower part originates from the fourth to the eighth or ninth rib and extends to the medial border and inferior angle of the scapula. This is the most powerful and prominent part of the muscle.
The serratus anterior is also known as the "boxer's muscle" because it is responsible for the protraction of the scapula, or the pulling of the scapula forward and around the rib cage, which occurs when throwing a punch. It acts in concert with the upper and lower fibres of the trapezius muscle to sustain the upward rotation of the scapula, allowing for overhead lifting.
The serratus anterior has several important functions. It acts as an accessory inspiratory muscle, supporting breathing by lifting the rib cage. It also stabilises the scapula, keeping the shoulder blades against the ribcage at rest and during movement.
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It inserts at the anterior surface of the scapula
The serratus anterior is a fan-shaped muscle that originates on the superolateral surfaces of the first to eighth or ninth ribs at the lateral wall of the thorax. Its main part lies deep under the scapula and the pectoral muscles. It acts on the scapula and is the prime mover in both scapular protraction and scapular upward rotation. It is a key scapular stabiliser, keeping the shoulder blades against the ribcage when at rest and during movement.
The serratus anterior muscle is inserted along the medial border of the scapula, from the superior angle to the inferior angle. The muscle is divided into three parts: the superior, middle/intermedius, and inferior. The superior part involves the first and second ribs attaching to the superior angle of the scapula. The middle part involves the second and third ribs attaching to the medial border of the scapula. The inferior part involves the fourth to ninth ribs attaching to the medial border and inferior angle of the scapula. This is the most powerful and prominent part of the muscle.
The serratus anterior is also known as the "boxer's muscle" because it is largely responsible for the protraction of the scapula, which occurs when throwing a punch. It acts in concert with the upper and lower fibres of the trapezius muscle to sustain upward rotation of the scapula, which allows for overhead lifting. The serratus anterior is innervated by the long thoracic nerve, a branch of the brachial plexus.
The scapula, or shoulder blade, is a sturdy, flat, triangular bone. It has two surfaces, three borders, three angles, and three processes. It provides attachment to several groups of muscles, including the serratus anterior. The scapula's stability is dependent on the surrounding musculature, with several muscles attaching directly to it.
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The muscle is divided into three parts
The serratus anterior is a fan-shaped muscle that originates on the superolateral surfaces of the first to eighth or ninth ribs at the lateral wall of the thorax. Its main function is the anterolateral movement of the scapula. It is also known as the "boxer's muscle" because it is responsible for the protraction of the scapula, which occurs when throwing a punch.
All three parts work together to pull the scapula forward around the thorax, which is essential for the anteversion of the arm. When the inferior and superior parts act in conjunction, they keep the scapula pressed against the thorax along with the rhomboids. Additionally, the inferior part can pull the lower end of the scapula forward and laterally, enabling the rotation of the scapula and elevation of the arm.
The serratus anterior also assists in respiration by lifting the ribs when the shoulder girdle is fixed. This muscle is innervated by the long thoracic nerve, a branch of the brachial plexus.
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It is also known as the boxer's muscle
The serratus anterior is a fan-shaped muscle that originates from the upper eight or nine ribs and wraps around the rib cage. It is a key scapular stabiliser, keeping the shoulder blades against the ribcage at rest and during movement.
The serratus anterior is also known as the "boxer's muscle". This is because it is responsible for the protraction of the scapula, or the pulling of the scapula forward and around the rib cage, which occurs when throwing a punch. Boxers often have very defined serratus anterior muscles that are clearly visible.
The muscle is divided into three parts: the superior, intermedius, and inferior. The superior part depresses the scapula and acts antagonistically. The inferior part is the most prominent and powerful part of the muscle. When the inferior and superior parts act together, they keep the scapula pressed against the thorax.
The serratus anterior also acts as an accessory inspiratory muscle, lifting the ribs and supporting breathing. This is particularly important in boxing, where breathing can be laboured after a bout.
The muscle is innervated by the long thoracic nerve, a branch of the brachial plexus. This nerve is vulnerable during certain types of surgery, such as lymph node removal.
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Frequently asked questions
The serratus anterior muscle is a fan-shaped muscle that attaches the scapula (shoulder blade) to the rib cage.
The serratus anterior muscle helps to move the scapula in various directions and is essential for proper shoulder function. It is also a key scapular stabiliser, keeping the shoulder blades against the ribcage when at rest and during movement.
The serratus anterior muscle is divided into three parts: superior, intermediate, and inferior.
The superior part depresses the scapula and acts antagonistically.
The serratus anterior muscle is innervated by the long thoracic nerve, a branch of the brachial plexus.
