Which action is associated with rhomboid major?

Which action is associated with rhomboid major?

• A. Adduct the scapula
• B. Elevate the scapula
• C. Depress the scapula
• D. Protract the scapula

Answer: (A)

Rhomboid major mainly adducts the scapula, pulling the medial border toward the spine to retract the shoulder blade. Its fibers also help elevate and downwardly rotate the scapula, but the action that best captures its primary role is pulling the scapula inward toward the vertebral column. Protraction is the job of serratus anterior, while depression is handled by other muscles such as the pectoralis minor and parts of the trapezius; elevation is shared with several muscles, but the rhomboid’s hallmark movement is retraction.

Rhomboid major mainly adducts the scapula, pulling the medial border toward the spine to retract the shoulder blade. Its fibers also help elevate and downwardly rotate the scapula, but the action that best captures its primary role is pulling the scapula inward toward the vertebral column. Protraction is the job of serratus anterior, while depression is handled by other muscles such as the pectoralis minor and parts of the trapezius; elevation is shared with several muscles, but the rhomboid’s hallmark movement is retraction.