Activity – Analyzing the Serratus Anterior
In this activity we will use the "3 Rules of Muscles" to determine the joint actions of the serratus
anterior. Answer the questions below:

Hints in Blue
Scapula (Shoulder Girdle) Joint Actions Word Bank
Action
Plane
Elevation
Depression
Upward Rotation
Downward Rotation
Protraction
Retraction
Anterior Tipping
Posterior Tipping
Frontal
Frontal
Frontal
Frontal
Transverse
Transverse
Sagittal
Sagittal
© 2014 Brent Brookbush
1. What direction (plane) do most of the fibers of the serratus anterior run?
Transverse
2. Highlight the joint actions that occur in that plane (Does that narrow down your
choices?)?
Protraction and Retraction
3. When the muscle shortens which directions will it pull the scapula?
Forward
4. What is the name of the joint action (highlighted above) that occurs in that same
direction?
Protraction
5. What might the serratus anterior do in the frontal plane?
Upward Rotation (Frontal Plane) by pulling the inferior angle forward and up
6. Re-write your answers into one succinct table?
Serratus Anterior:
o Joint it crosses: Scapula (Shoulder Girdle)
o Actions: Protraction and Upward Rotation
© 2014 Brent Brookbush