What Rotates the Scapula?

The middle and lower serratus anterior muscles produce scapular upward rotation, posterior tilting, and external rotation. Upper trapezius produces clavicular elevation and retraction. The middle trapezius is primarily a medial stabilizer of the scapula.

What muscles rotate up the scapula?

Upward rotation is accomplished by the trapezius and serratus anterior muscles. Downward rotation is accomplished by the force of gravity as well as the latissimus dorsi, levator scapulae, rhomboids, and the pectoralis major and minor muscles.

What is rotation of the scapula?

The movement of the scapula can be described by rotations in relation to the thorax. The scapula moves around a dorso-ventral axis, resulting in a rotation in the frontal plane. In this movement the glenoid cavity is turned cranially (upward rotation) or caudally (downward rotation).