Question

How does the serratus anterior function as an antagonist to the rhomboid muscles?

Answer 1

The serratus anterior functions as an antagonist to the rhomboid muscles by performing protraction of the scapula, which is the opposite action of the rhomboids' retraction of the scapula.

Step-by-step explanation:

The serratus anterior is a large and flat muscle that originates on the ribs and inserts onto the medial border of the scapula. Its primary function is to pull the scapula forward and around the rib cage, a motion known as protraction. This movement is opposite to that of the rhomboid muscles, which retract the scapula by pulling it towards the vertebral column.

Antagonistic muscles have opposite actions. When the serratus anterior contracts, it works against the rhomboids. If the rhomboids are contracting to bring the scapula medially (retraction), the serratus anterior will be relaxed. Conversely, when the serratus anterior contracts to move the scapula laterally (protraction), the rhomboids will be relaxed. This opposition is what makes the serratus anterior an antagonist to the rhomboids.

Answer 2

Answer: Serratus anterior abducts the scapula and rhomboids adducts the scapula.

Serratus anterior is a muscle that originates of the 1st to 8th ribs at the side of the thorax and inserts in the medial border of the scapula. This muscle during contraction abducts the scapula and the rhomboids muscles do the opposite by retracting the scapula toward the vertebral column(adducts).