Serratus Anterior

Region: Chest Muscles · All chest muscles

Serratus Anterior at a glance

OriginOuter surfaces of the upper eight or nine ribs
InsertionFront (costal) surface of the medial border of the scapula
ActionsHolds the shoulder blade flat against the chest wall; Pulls the scapula forward (protraction, as in punching); Rotates the scapula upward
Nerve supplyLong thoracic nerve (C5–C7)

◆ Good to know

Injury to the long thoracic nerve (for example during axillary lymph node clearance) paralyses it and causes a winged scapula, most obvious when pushing against a wall.

Please note: This page is an anatomy education summary for students and curious readers, not medical advice. Attachment points are given in their classic short form; individual anatomy varies, and detailed dissection-level descriptions belong in an anatomy atlas.