Definition

Noun: - A muscle of the chest wall: The anterior serratus muscle is a fan-shaped muscle located on the lateral surface of the rib cage. Its primary functions are to pull the scapula (shoulder blade) forward around the thorax and to elevate the ribs, assisting in respiration.

Examples of Usage

• Noun:
  • Damage to the anterior serratus muscle can cause winging of the scapula.
  • The anterior serratus muscle is crucial for movements like punching or pushing.

Advanced Usage

• "Serratus anterior": This is the more common anatomical term for the anterior serratus muscle.
  • The serratus anterior originates from the upper ribs and inserts into the scapula.

Variants and Related Words

• Serratus anterior (n): The standard anatomical name for the anterior serratus muscle.
• Serratus (n): A shorter, informal reference, though it can refer to other serratus muscles (e.g., serratus posterior).
• Winging of the scapula (n phrase): A clinical sign often associated with paralysis of the anterior serratus muscle.

Synonyms

• Serratus anterior: The direct synonym and preferred term in anatomy.
• Boxer's muscle: An informal nickname due to its importance in punching motions.

Noun

1. muscles that rotate the scapula and elevate the rib cage