Scapula and Shoulder Movements

Flashcards covering key movements and muscles of the scapula and shoulder joint.

Elevation

Movement of the shoulder blades up. (Upper/Middle Trapezius, Levator Scapulae)

Depression

Movement of the shoulder blades down. (Rhomboids, Lower Trapezius, Pectoralis Minor)

Protraction

Leaning forward, moving scapula away from the spine. (Serratus Anterior, Pectoralis Minor, Levator Scapulae)

Retraction

Blades move back towards the spine, pinching scapula together. (Lower Trapezius, Middle Trapezius, Rhomboids)

Upward Rotation

Moving inferior angle of scapula laterally and upward. (Lower Trapezius, Middle Trapezius, Serratus Anterior)

Downward Rotation

Moving inferior angle of scapula medially and downward. Levator scapulae, Rhomboids, Pectoralis minor)

Flexion

Movement of the upper arm upward to the front. (Anterior deltoid, Lateral deltoid, Pectoralis major, Coracobrachialis)

Extension

Moving the upper arm down to the rear from flexion. (Latissimus dorsi, Posterior deltoid, Teres major, Triceps brachii (long head))

Abduction

Raising the arm out to the side. (Anterior deltoid, Lateral deltoid, Supraspinatus)

Adduction

Bringing the arm back from abduction. (Latissimus dorsi, Pectoralis major, Teres major)

Internal Rotation (IR)

Medially moving the upper arm inward with elbow at 90 degrees. (Pectoralis major, Latissimus dorsi, Anterior deltoid, Subscapularis, Teres major)

External Rotation (ER)

Laterally moving the upper arm outward with elbow at 90 degrees. (Posterior deltoid, Infraspinatus, Teres minor)

Horizontal Abduction

Arm stays horizontal and moves laterally. (Posterior deltoid, Supraspinatus)

Horizontal Adduction

Arm stays horizontal and moves medially. (Pectoralis major, Coracobrachialis)

Circumduction

The circular movement of the arm combining flexion, abduction, extension, and adduction.