Which muscles act as agonists for abduction of the scapula?

• A. Serratus Anterior, Pectoralis Minor
• B. Trapezius (Middle), Rhomboids
• C. Pectoralis Minor, Latissimus Dorsi
• D. Levator Scapulae, Rhomboids

Answer: (A)

Abduction (protraction) of the scapula is moving the shoulder blade forward around the rib cage. The main muscle doing this is serratus anterior, which lies along the ribs and attaches to the medial border of the scapula. When it contracts, it pulls that border forward and keeps the scapula pressed to the thorax, effectively protracting the shoulder blade. Pectoralis minor also assists by pulling the coracoid process forward and downward, contributing to the forward tilt and protraction, especially during pushing tasks or when serratus anterior isn’t fully active.

The other options involve muscles that retract the scapula toward the spine (like the middle trapezius and rhomboids) or move the scapula in different directions (such as depression or elevation), so they don’t fit the action of abduction as well.