Which muscles are the agonists for adduction of the scapula?

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

Answer: (C)

Scapular adduction (retraction) is produced mainly by the middle portion of the trapezius and the rhomboid muscles. When these fibers contract, they pull the medial borders of the scapula toward the spine, bringing the shoulder blades closer together. The rhomboids also help with slight downward rotation, but their primary role here is retraction. The middle trapezius provides a strong, stabilizing retraction force across the scapula. The other muscles listed act as antagonists to this movement: serratus anterior and pectoralis minor protract the scapula (pull it forward), while the lower trapezius assists with depression and upward rotation, and the levator scapulae elevates rather than retracts. So the combination of middle trapezius and rhomboids best explains the agonists for scapular adduction.