Muscles and Their Functions

A set of vocabulary flashcards detailing thoracic, abdominal, and shoulder girdle muscles along with their specific physiological functions.

Diaphragm

Expands thoracic cavity and compresses abdominopelvic cavity.

Rectus Abdominus

Compresses abdominal cavity and flexes vertebral column.

Internal Obliques

Flexes or bends spine and compresses abdomen.

External Obliques

Flexes or bends spine, compresses abdomen, and depresses ribs.

Transversus Abdominus

Compresses abdominal cavity.

Pectoralis Minor

Elevates ribs, and protracts and depresses scapula.

Levator Scapulae

Elevates, rotates and retracts scapula.

Serratus Anterior

Protracts Scapula. Superior rotation of scapula

Trapezius

Rotates scapula posterior

Retracts and depresses scapula

Subclavius

Protracts and depresses shoulder.

Rhomboid Major

Adducts scapula and performs downward rotation.

Rhomboid Minor

Adducts scapula and performs downward rotation.