Final answer:
The scapulothoracic region can perform four primary movements: elevation, depression, protraction, and retraction. Elevation is the motion experienced when shrugging shoulders. Different joints and movements are involved in taking a step forward such as hip flexion and knee extension.
Step-by-step explanation:
The scapulothoracic region can perform four primary movements: elevation (as in shrugging your shoulders), depression, protraction (moving forward), and retraction (pulling back). These movements are the result of coordinated action between the scapula (shoulder blade) and the thoracic wall. In the specific instance of shrugging your shoulders, the movement that occurs at the scapulae is elevation.
Taking a step forward involves different joints and motions, including hip flexion, knee extension, ankle dorsiflexion if lifting the foot, or plantarflexion if pushing off the ground. Protraction refers to moving the shoulder blades forward and away from the spine. Retraction is the opposite, bringing the shoulder blades back towards the spine. Elevation is the upward movement of the shoulder blades, while depression is the downward movement of the shoulder blades.