Which muscle originates from ribs 3-5 and protracts the scapula?

Which muscle originates from ribs 3-5 and protracts the scapula?

• A. Latissimus Dorsi
• B. Serratus Anterior
• C. Pectoralis Minor
• D. Rhomboid Major

Answer: (C)

Protracting the scapula is about pulling the shoulder blade forward against the chest wall. The muscle that starts on ribs 3 to 5 and pulls the scapula forward is the pectoralis minor. It runs from the anterior surfaces of ribs 3–5 to the coracoid process of the scapula, and when it contracts it draws the scapula forward and downward, helping to stabilize the shoulder girdle. Serratus anterior also protracts the scapula, but it originates from a broader region (ribs 1–9), not specifically 3–5. Latissimus dorsi does not protract the scapula; it acts on the humerus. Rhomboid major retracts the scapula rather than protracting it.

Protracting the scapula is about pulling the shoulder blade forward against the chest wall. The muscle that starts on ribs 3 to 5 and pulls the scapula forward is the pectoralis minor. It runs from the anterior surfaces of ribs 3–5 to the coracoid process of the scapula, and when it contracts it draws the scapula forward and downward, helping to stabilize the shoulder girdle.

Serratus anterior also protracts the scapula, but it originates from a broader region (ribs 1–9), not specifically 3–5. Latissimus dorsi does not protract the scapula; it acts on the humerus. Rhomboid major retracts the scapula rather than protracting it.