key term - Serratus anterior

Definition

The serratus anterior is a muscle located on each side of the thorax, spanning from the upper ribs to the scapula (shoulder blade). It functions to pull the scapula forward and around the rib cage, playing a crucial role in shoulder and arm movement.

Related terms

Scapula:

A flat triangular bone located on the back of the shoulder, serving as an attachment point for several muscles.

Thorax: The part of the body between the neck and abdomen, enclosed by the ribs and housing vital organs such as the heart and lungs.

Protraction:

The movement of a body part forward along a plane parallel to the ground; in this context, it refers specifically to the forward movement of the scapula facilitated by muscles like the serratus anterior