Anterior serratus muscle

Anterior Serratus Muscle

The Anterior Serratus Muscle (highlighted in red)

The Anterior Serratus Muscle is a muscle that originates on the surface of the 1st to 8th ribs at the side of the chest and inserts along the entire anterior length of the medial border of the scapula. This muscle is responsible for the protraction and upward rotation of the scapula, which allows the arm to be raised over the head.

Structure

The Anterior Serratus Muscle is divided into three parts: the superior, intermediate, and inferior. The superior part originates from the 1st to 2nd ribs, the intermediate part from the 2nd to 3rd ribs, and the inferior part from the 4th to 9th ribs.

Function

The primary function of the Anterior Serratus Muscle is to allow the forward rotation of the arm and to pull the scapula forward and around the rib cage. The muscle also assists in the upward rotation of the scapula.

Clinical significance

Damage to the Anterior Serratus Muscle can result in a condition known as winged scapula, where the scapula protrudes from the back in an abnormal position.

See also

• Scapula
• Rib cage
• Winged scapula

External links

• AnatomyZone: Serratus Anterior Muscle