Which muscle primarily assists in drawing the scapula forward and around the rib cage?

The muscle that primarily assists in drawing the scapula forward and around the rib cage is the serratus anterior. This muscle is located on the lateral aspect of the thorax and plays a crucial role in shoulder movement and function.

The serratus anterior is particularly involved in the protraction of the scapula, meaning it helps to pull the scapula away from the spine and toward the front of the body. This action is essential for movements that require reaching forward or lifting the arms overhead, as it helps to maintain proper scapular positioning against the rib cage.

Additionally, the serratus anterior is instrumental in facilitating the upward rotation of the scapula, which is necessary for raising the arms. The contraction of this muscle stabilizes the scapula and allows for a free range of motion during various upper body activities.

Other muscles listed may contribute to scapular movements but do not primarily assist in protraction. For example, the rhomboid major is more involved in retracting the scapula, while the trapezius has several components that perform various actions including elevation and rotation of the scapula. The teres major primarily acts on the shoulder joint rather than directly affecting scapular movement. Hence, the serratus anterior's specific role in drawing the