Serratus Anterior

Other Names

• Serratus Magnus
• Boxer's Muscle

Heads

• Digitations
  1. Superior
  2. Inferior (Longer)

Movement

Scapula

• Abduction [1, 2]
• Upward Rotation [2]
• Elevation (Weak) [1]

Attachments

Origin

• Ribs (Surface) [1, 2]
  • Upper 8 or 9

Insertion

• Scapula (Medial) [1, 2]
  • Medial Border
    • Anterior Surface

Related Muscles

• Pectoralis Minor
• Rhomboids

Comments

The serratus anterior holds scapula against thoracic wall. A winged scapula condition indicates weakness of serratus anterior.

They also help stabilize scapula during shoulder internal and external rotation when shoulder is 90° abduction (Ekstom RA, et al. 2003; Myers JB, et al. 2005)