How to Identify the Serratus Anterior

The serratus anterior, also known as the "boxer's muscle," is largely responsible for pulling the scapula forward when throwing a punch. It holds the scapula against the thoracic wall and is opposed by the rhomboid major, rhomboid minor and the trapezius. The following steps will help you identify the serratus anterior muscle.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

1. Read up on Latin roots to know that "serratus" means "saw-like" and "anterior" means "front." This is the "forward" muscle in this group and is "serrated" or notched because of the separation of the ribs.

2. Examine the serratus anterior to see that it laterally protracts and stabilizes the scapula, and assists in its upward rotation.

3. Observe how the serratus anterior originates from the fleshy slips from the outer surface of the upper eight or nine ribs.

4. Look at the insertion of the serratus anterior into the scapula. The part of this muscle from the first rib inserts into the inner medial border. Muscle from the second rib is attached to the upper angle, muscle from the third and fourth ribs is attached to the length of the costal surface and the remaining portion of the serratus anterior is attached to the inferior angle of the scapula.

5. Research the nervous system to know that the nerve for the serratus anterior is the long thoracic nerve from the fifth through the seventh cervical nerves. Study the circulatory system to know that the blood supply for the serratus anterior is the lateral thoracic artery for the upper part and the thoracodorsal artery for the lower part.

Resources

• Read a medical glossary.

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