PMID: 31613503.In Serratus anterior pain you will feel the pain in the arm & flexion movement of the shoulder above 90, this is produced by the Serratus anterior muscle. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing 2022 Jan–. Anatomy, Shoulder and Upper Limb, Axilla. Isolated paralysis of the serratus anterior muscle successfully treated by surgical release of the distal portion of the long thoracic nerve. Laulan J, Lascar T, Saint-Cast Y, Chammas M, Le Nen D. Serratus anterior paralysis in the young athlete. Gregg JR, Labosky D, Harty M, Lotke P, Ecker M, DiStefano V, Das M. Comparing the function of the upper and lower parts of the serratus anterior muscle using surface electromyography. Available from: Įkstrom RA, Bifulco KM, Lopau CJ, Andersen CF, Gough JR. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing 2023 Jan. Philadelphia: Lippincot Williams & Wilkins 2017. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing 2022 Jan. Anatomy, Thorax, Serratus Anterior Muscles. An anatomic study of structure and innervation of the serratus anterior muscle. The serratus anterior’s superior segment provides a main axis of rotation the middle segment pulls the scapula forward the inferior segment can rotate the scapula upward. Each segment of the serratus anterior plays a distinct role: the superior segment serves as the main axis of rotation, the middle segment pulls the scapula forward, and the inferior segment facilitates upward scapular rotation. When the shoulders remain in a fixed position, the serratus anterior can contribute to respiration by elevating the ribs. The glenoid cavity is where the head of the humerus sits. Upward scapular rotation is important for raising the arms up, due to tilting the glenoid cavity upward and by doing so maintaining joint alignment. In addition, the serratus anterior aids in the upward rotation of the scapula, working alongside the trapezius muscle. The primary function of the serratus anterior muscle is to move the scapula anterolaterally around the thorax (towards the front of the body), which is known as scapular protraction. The serratus anterior inserts on the superior angle, medial border, and inferior angle of the scapula. Here we can see the serratus anterior’s insertion marked out in blue. Additionally, the serratus anterior contributes to maintaining scapular stability, which is vital for both offensive and defensive techniques in boxing.

When a boxer throws a punch, this muscle aids in the extension and forward movement of the arm (protraction of the scapula), allowing for a more forceful and effective strike. The serratus anterior is also commonly referred to as the ‘boxer’s muscle’ due to its role in the mechanics of boxing and other striking sports. The specifics of the three sections are covered in further detail in the ‘origin and insertion’ section.

It is usually divided into three different parts depending on the portion of its origin and insertion: serratus anterior inferior, serratus anterior intermediate, and serratus anterior superior. In athletic individuals, with a low body fat percentage, it is often visible from the skin’s surface. It is possible to palpate the serratus anterior by pressing between the pectoralis major and latissimus dorsi muscles. It is also deep to the subscapularis and it is separated from the subscapularis muscle by bursa or supraserratus bursa. The serratus anterior muscle is located deep to the scapula, pectoralis major, and pectoralis minor.

The serratus anterior is a fan-shaped muscle that is located on the thorax’s lateral wall.

Serratus boxing moves