Table of contents

1. Introduction to Anatomy & Physiology5h 43m
2. Cell Chemistry & Cell Components12h 36m
3. Energy & Cell Processes10h 6m
4. Tissues & Histology10h 3m
5. Integumentary System2h 20m
6. Bones & Skeletal Tissue2h 16m
7. The Skeletal System2h 35m
8. Joints2h 17m
9. Muscle Tissue2h 33m
10. Muscles1h 11m
11. Nervous Tissue and Nervous System1h 35m
12. The Central Nervous System1h 6m
- Introduction to the Central Nervous System
  18m
- The Cerebrum
  48m
13. The Peripheral Nervous System1h 26m
14. The Autonomic Nervous System1h 38m
15. The Special Senses2h 41m
16. The Endocrine System2h 48m
17. The Blood3h 22m
18. The Heart3h 42m
19. The Blood Vessels3h 35m
20. The Lymphatic System3h 16m
21. The Immune System14h 37m
22. The Respiratory System3h 20m
23. The Digestive System2h 5m
24. Metabolism and Nutrition4h 0m
25. The Urinary System2h 39m
26. Fluid and Electrolyte Balance, Acid Base Balance37m
27. The Reproductive System2h 5m
28. Human Development1h 21m
29. Heredity3h 32m

10. Muscles

Muscle Naming

Anatomy & Physiology

10. Muscles

Muscle Naming

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1:22 minutes

Problem 9

Textbook Question

Several muscles act to move and/or stabilize the scapula. Which of the following are small rectangular muscles that square the shoulders as they act together to retract the scapula?
a. Levator scapulae
b. Rhomboids
c. Serratus anterior
d. Trapezius

Verified step by step guidance

Step 1: Understand the question. The problem is asking which muscles are small, rectangular in shape, and function to square the shoulders by retracting the scapula. Retracting the scapula means pulling it medially toward the spine.

Step 2: Review the anatomy and function of each muscle option provided: a) Levator scapulae elevates the scapula and tilts the glenoid cavity downward, b) Rhomboids retract the scapula and are small rectangular muscles, c) Serratus anterior protracts the scapula (pulls it forward), and d) Trapezius has multiple functions, including elevation, depression, and retraction of the scapula.

Step 3: Focus on the key characteristics mentioned in the question: small, rectangular muscles that act together to retract the scapula. Eliminate options that do not match these criteria (e.g., muscles that protract or elevate the scapula).

Step 4: Recall that the rhomboid muscles (rhomboid major and rhomboid minor) are small, rectangular muscles located between the scapula and the spine. They work together to retract the scapula, which aligns with the description in the question.

Step 5: Conclude that the correct answer is the rhomboids, as they meet all the criteria described in the question: small, rectangular muscles that retract the scapula and square the shoulders.

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Key Concepts

Here are the essential concepts you must grasp in order to answer the question correctly.

Scapular Retraction

Scapular retraction refers to the movement of the scapulae (shoulder blades) towards the spine. This action is crucial for stabilizing the shoulder girdle and is primarily performed by specific muscles that work together to pull the scapulae inward. Understanding this movement is essential for identifying which muscles contribute to it.

Rhomboid Muscles

The rhomboid muscles, consisting of the rhomboid major and minor, are small, rectangular muscles located between the scapula and the spine. They play a key role in retracting the scapula, helping to square the shoulders and maintain proper posture. Their function is vital for activities that require shoulder stability and movement.

Muscle Function and Anatomy

Understanding muscle function and anatomy is essential for analyzing how different muscles contribute to movements like scapular retraction. Each muscle has a specific role based on its location and attachment points, influencing how they work together. Knowledge of these anatomical relationships helps in identifying the correct muscles involved in specific movements.