Serratus anterior muscle
| Serratus anterior | |
|---|---|
Serratus anterior, showing origin from lower ribs (origin from upper ribs obscured by pectoralis major and other superficial muscles) | |
The left side of the thorax | |
| Details | |
| Pronunciation | /ˌsɪˈreɪtəs ænˈtɪəriər/ |
| Origin | Fleshy slips from the outer surface of upper from 1st rib to 8 or 9 ribs |
| Insertion | Costal aspect of medial margin of the scapula |
| Artery | Lateral thoracic artery, superior thoracic artery (upper part), thoracodorsal artery (lower part) |
| Nerve | Long thoracic nerve (from roots of brachial plexus C5-C7) |
| Actions | Protracts and stabilizes scapula, assists in upward rotation, assists in inspiration (when shoulder girdle is fixed) |
| Antagonist | Rhomboid major, rhomboid minor, trapezius |
| Identifiers | |
| Latin | musculus serratus anterior, serratus lateralis |
| TA98 | A04.4.01.008 |
| TA2 | 2307 |
| FMA | 13397 |
| Anatomical terms of muscle | |
The serratus anterior (or musculus serratus lateralis) is a muscle of the chest. It originates at the side of the chest from the upper 8 or 9 ribs; it inserts along the entire length of the anterior aspect of the medial border of the scapula. It is innervated by the long thoracic nerve from the brachial plexus. The serratus anterior acts to pull the scapula forward around the thorax.
The muscle is named from Latin: serrare = to saw (referring to the shape); and anterior = on the front side of the body.