The Serratus Anterior Muscle

Serratus anterior muscle – the boxer’s muscle!

The serratus anterior muscle is critical for shoulder stability. Its overall health is critical to shoulder health for yoga practitioners as it directly relates to postures that take our body weight into our hands and the ability of our rotator cuff muscles to function properly.

What does serratus anterior mean?

The serratus anterior muscle was named for its finger-like muscular origins that look serrated. “Serratus” comes from the Latin serrare meaning “to saw”. The other part of this muscle’s name, anterior, refers to the muscle’s location on the front or anterior side of the body.

interestingly, serratus is known as the boxer’s muscle because it is the strongest protractor of the scapula. That means it sends the scapula forward around the rib cage. This anatomical movement is primarily what allows for the whole movement seen in a punch.

Where does the serratus anterior muscle attach?

Origin

• The upper 8 or 9 ribs

Insertion

• The medial border or edge of the scapula
• There is also a convergence of fibers on the inferior (bottom) angle of the scapula.

What actions does the serratus anterior muscle do?

• Protraction of the scapula – That means it brings the scapula forward on the rib cage.
• Upward rotation of the scapula – It is used after the humerus abducts to ninety degrees.
• Stabilizes the scapula and prevents the inner edge from “winging”.

Postures where this muscle contracts

I often find that students don’t use serratus enough. For that reason, I’ve written about it in a number of articles already, relating to Downward Dog, Headstands, Chaturanga, and Handstands.

I’ve also written more about how we use this muscle in yoga postures, especially in arm balances, in my book Functional Anatomy of Yoga.

Having said that, this muscle is a key stabilizer of the scapula and that is how it should be used in many yoga postures.

Postures where this muscle lengthens

Trigger points