Which muscles act as the prime movers for scapular elevation?

• A. Lower trapezius and Serratus anterior
• B. Middle trapezius and Rhomboids
• C. Pectoralis minor and Pectoralis major
• D. Upper trapezius and Levator scapulae

Answer: (D)

Elevating the scapula mainly involves two muscles working together to lift the shoulder blade toward the ear: the upper fibers of the trapezius and the levator scapulae. The upper trapezius attaches high on the scapula and pulls it upward, especially when the shoulder girdle is stabilized. The levator scapulae runs from the neck to the superior angle of the scapula and directly elevates the scapula. Together, these muscles raise the scapula effectively.

Other muscles listed either pull the scapula in other directions or depress it. The lower trapezius helps depress and upwardly rotate, the middle trapezius and rhomboids retract the scapula, serratus anterior mainly protracts and assists with upward rotation, and pectoralis minor depresses and protracts the scapula. That’s why the combination of the upper trapezius and levator scapulae best accounts for scapular elevation.