Serratus Anterior Muscle

Author: Scott A. Sheffield MS

Last update:

The serratus anterior muscle is a sheet of muscle that runs along the sides and front of the rib cage.

image descriptionSerratus Anterior Muscle

An image showing the Serratus Anterior Muscle (highlighted) attached to the upper limb skeleton along with other muscles (Deltoid, Pectoralis major, Latissimus dorsi, Biceps branchii and rectus abdominus)
An image showing the Serratus Anterior Muscle (highlighted) attached to the upper limb skeleton along with other muscles (Latissimus dorsi, External oblique and rectus abdominus)
An image showing the Serratus Anterior Muscle (highlighted) attached to the upper limb skeleton along with other muscles (Internal intercostals, External intercostals and Transversus abdominus)
An image showing the Serratus Anterior Muscle attached to the upper limb skeleton
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image descriptionAttachments of Serratus Anterior Muscle: Origin & Insertion

Origin: (proximal attachments):
Anterior surfaces of the first 8 or 9 ribs.

Insertion: (distal attachments):
Anterior surface of medial border of scapula.

What if you could learn serratus anterior anatomy more easily? With this time-saving trunk wall muscle anatomy reference chart, you can!

An image showing the Serratus Anterior Muscle (highlighted) attached to the upper limb skeleton along with other muscles (Deltoid, Pectoralis major, Latissimus dorsi, Biceps branchii and rectus abdominus)
An image showing the Serratus Anterior Muscle attached to the upper limb skeleton
An image showing the origin and insertion of the Serratus Anterior Muscle on the upper limb skeleton
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Actions on the Shoulder:

image descriptionAbducts (protracts) scapula and image descriptionupwardly rotates it while abducting the arm; stabilizes scapula by holding it to chest wall.

Nerve to Muscle and its Spinal Segment:

Long thoracic nerve (C5-C7).

Muscles That Act On The Posterior Shoulder

Test yourself:

Muscles That Act On The Anterior Shoulder

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