Question

If you were to cut the dorsal scapular nerve, which muscles would no longer function?

1) Rhomboid major and minor
2) Levator scapulae
3) Trapezius
4) Serratus anterior

Answer 1

Cutting the dorsal scapular nerve would impair the function of the rhomboid major and minor and the levator scapulae (option 2), but not the trapezius or serratus anterior which are innervated by different nerves.

Step-by-step explanation:

If you were to cut the dorsal scapular nerve, the muscles that would no longer function are the rhomboid major and minor and the levator scapulae. The dorsal scapular nerve specifically innervates these muscles. The rhomboids are responsible for retracting the scapula, which moves the shoulder blades towards the spine. The levator scapulae elevates the scapula.


On the other hand, the trapezius muscle is innervated by the spinal accessory nerve, while the serratus anterior is innervated by the long thoracic nerve. Therefore, these muscles would not be affected by cutting the dorsal scapular nerve.