Upper Extremity Actions

Pectoralis Major — Action

Flexes the shoulder, Adducts and Medially rotates the Humerus

Pectoralis Minor — Action

Pulls Scapula anteriorly; if Scapula is fixed, it Elevates the ribs.

Trapezius — Action

Adducts Scapula, Elevates and Rotates shoulder upward; if Scapula is fixed, draws head backward

Levator Scapulae — Action

Elevates Scapula

Latissimus Dorsi — Action

Extends shoulder, Adducts and Medially rotates Humerus

Serratus Anterior — Action

Holds Scapula to chest wall, rotates Scapula so shoulder moves upward

Rhomboideus Major — Action

Adducts Scapula, Rotates Scapula so shoulder moves downward (larger)

Rhomboideus Minor — Action

Adducts Scapula, Rotates Scapula so shoulder moves downward

Deltoid — Action

Flexes and Extends shoulder, Abducts Humerus/shoulder

Supraspinatus — Action

Abducts Humerus

Infraspinatus — Action

Laterally Rotates Humerus

Subscapularis — Action

Adducts and Medially Rotates Humerus

Teres Minor — Action

Laterally Rotates Humerus

Teres Major — Action

Extends shoulder, adducts and medially rotates the humerus (smaller)

Triceps — Action

Extends shoulder and elbow

Biceps Brachii — Action

Flexes shoulder and elbow, supinates forearm and hand

Coracobrachialis — Action

Flexes Shoulder and Adducts the Humerus

Brachialis — Action

Flexes Elbow

Brachioradialis — Action

Flexes elbow (longer)