The correct answer is D✅
The serratus anterior plays a major role in holding the scapula against the body wall. If paralyzed, the primary clinical sign is "winging" of the scapula, especially when raising the arm or pushing the body away from a wall.
(A) The levator scapulae elevates the scapula. It is not involved in holding the scapula against the body wall.
(B) Although the pectoralis minor has a scapular from attachment (to the coracoid process), it is not involved in holding the scapula against the body wall.
(C) The rhomboid major primarily retracts the scapula. It does not have an important role in holding the scapula against the body wall.
(E) Although the supraspinatus plays a role in arm abduction, it is essential to the initiation of this movement before there is significant rotation of the scapula. It is not involved in holding the scapula against the body wall.
📎Source: USMLE Step 1 Qbook by Kaplan Medical
📷Source: Henry Gray (1918) Anatomy of the Human Body, plate 392
The serratus anterior plays a major role in holding the scapula against the body wall. If paralyzed, the primary clinical sign is "winging" of the scapula, especially when raising the arm or pushing the body away from a wall.
(A) The levator scapulae elevates the scapula. It is not involved in holding the scapula against the body wall.
(B) Although the pectoralis minor has a scapular from attachment (to the coracoid process), it is not involved in holding the scapula against the body wall.
(C) The rhomboid major primarily retracts the scapula. It does not have an important role in holding the scapula against the body wall.
(E) Although the supraspinatus plays a role in arm abduction, it is essential to the initiation of this movement before there is significant rotation of the scapula. It is not involved in holding the scapula against the body wall.
📎Source: USMLE Step 1 Qbook by Kaplan Medical
📷Source: Henry Gray (1918) Anatomy of the Human Body, plate 392