Muscle Anatomy

serratus anterior

The serratus anterior lies on the outer surface of the ribs at the side and is covered by the scapula at the rear and the pectoralis major in the front.

Origin

The serratus anterior originates on the outer surfaces of the upper eight or nine ribs at the side of the chest in between the attachments of the external oblique.

Insertion

It inserts on the anterior surface of the medial border of the scapula.

Function

The serratus anterior is involved in upward rotation of the scapula and in abduction, that is, it helps pull the scapula to the sides away from the spine.