Upper Limb Actions

Trapezius

Upper fibers: scapular elevation and upward rotation

Middle fibers: scapular retraction

Lower fibers: scapular depression and upward rotation

Latissimus Dorsi

Shoulder extension, adduction, and medial rotation

Levator Scapulae

Scapular elevation and downward rotation

Rhomboid Minor

Scapular retraction and downward rotation

Rhomboid Major

Scapular retraction and downward rotation

Deltoid

Anterior fibers: shoulder flexion and medial rotation

Middle fibers: shoulder abduction

Posterior fibers: shoulder extension and lateral rotation

Teres Major

Shoulder adduction, extension, medial rotation

Supraspinatus

Shoulder abduction, holds humeral head in the glenoid cavity

Infraspinatus

Shoulder external rotation, holds humeral head in the glenoid cavity

Teres Minor

Lateral rotation of the shoulder, holds humeral head in the glenoid cavity

Subscapularis

Medial rotation of the shoulder, holds humeral head in the glenoid cavity

Pectoralis Major

Shoulder adduction and medial rotation

Clavicular head: shoulder flexion

Sternocostal head: shoulder extension from a flexed position

Pectoralis Minor

Scapular depression and downward rotation

Subclavius

Anchors and depresses clavicle

Serratus Anterior

Scapular protraction and upward rotation

Biceps Brachii

Shoulder flexion and abduction, elbow flexion, forearm supination

Brachialis

Elbow flexion

Coracobrachialis

Shoulder flexion and adduction

Triceps Brachii

Elbow extension

Anconeus

Assists triceps with elbow extension, abducts ulna during forearm pronation