Final answer:
The muscles of the scapula stabilize it, allowing other bones to move while the scapula remains stationary. These muscles include both anterior and posterior thoracic muscles that position the pectoral girdle and facilitate shoulder movements.
Step-by-step explanation:
The muscles of the scapula act to stabilize the scapula so that other bones can move relative to it while it stays in place. The scapulae, which are part of the pectoral girdle, provide a stable base for the muscles that move the humerus. There are several muscles involved in the positioning and movement of the scapula, including the anterior thoracic muscles (subclavius, pectoralis minor, and the serratus anterior) and the posterior thoracic muscles (trapezius, levator scapulae, rhomboid major, and rhomboid minor).
The scapula is a flat, triangular bone with a prominent ridge called the spine of the scapula, which serves as an area for muscle attachment. These muscles work together to position the pectoral girdle, which in turn, allows for a range of movements at the shoulder joint, facilitated by the deltoid, subscapularis, supraspinatus, infraspinatus, teres major, teres minor, and coracobrachialis originating from the scapula.