Which muscles are the agonists for elevation of the scapula?

• A. Trapezius (Lower), Pectoralis Minor, Serratus Anterior
• B. Trapezius (Upper), Levator Scapulae, Rhomboids
• C. Subclavius, Pectoralis Major
• D. Deltoid, Supraspinatus

Answer: (B)

Elevation of the scapula is produced by muscles that lift the shoulder blade upward, toward the ear. The main players are the upper fibers of the trapezius, which shrug the shoulders and pull the scapula upward, and the levator scapulae, which runs from the neck to the scapula and lifts it. The rhomboids also contribute by elevating the medial border of the scapula and helping position it during elevation, working together with the trapezius and levator to raise and stabilize the scapula as the arm moves.

The other options don’t fit because subclavius and pectoralis major don’t serve as elevators of the scapula, and the deltoid and supraspinatus primarily act on the glenohumeral joint (the arm) rather than lifting the scapula.