Serratus anterior muscle

Serratus anterior
Serratus anterior, showing origin from lower ribs (origin from upper ribs obscured by pectoralis major and other superficial muscles)
The left side of the thorax.
Details
Pronunciation/ˌsɪˈrtəs ænˈtɪəriər/
OriginFleshy slips from the outer surface of upper 8 or 9 ribs
InsertionCostal aspect of medial margin of the scapula
ArteryLateral thoracic artery, superior thoracic artery (upper part), thoracodorsal artery (lower part)
NerveLong thoracic nerve (from roots of brachial plexus C5-C7)
ActionsProtracts and stabilizes scapula, assists in upward rotation.
AntagonistRhomboid major, rhomboid minor, trapezius
Identifiers
Latinmusculus serratus anterior,
serratus lateralis
TA98A04.4.01.008
TA22307
FMA13397
Anatomical terms of muscle

The serratus anterior is a muscle of the chest. It originates at the side of the chest from the upper 8 or 9 ribs; it inserts along the entire length of the anterior aspect of the medial border of the scapula. It is innervated by the long thoracic nerve from the brachial plexus. The serratus anterior acts to pull the scapula forward around the thorax.

The muscle is named from Latin: serrare = to saw (referring to the shape); and anterior = on the front side of the body.