Question

What is the common action between deltoid and serratus anterior? how do they conplement eachother and why do we need both?

Answer 1

Common action between deltoid and serratus anterior:

Overhead Abduction of the shoulder

• The deltoid is the muscles that cause abduction between 15 - 90 degrees
• The serratus anterior muscle causes abduction between 90 -180 degrees

Deltoid and serratus anterior complement each other in the following ways:

• The deltoid causes flexion and abduction of the shoulder.
• The serratus anterior helps in these movements by stabilizing the scapula.
• Studies have shown that serratus anterior contributes to all components of scapular movement ( upward rotation, posterior tilt, and external rotation)during arm elevation