Which muscle retracts the scapula, downwardly rotates it, and stabilizes the scapula?

• A. Rhomboid minor
• B. Rhomboid major
• C. Levator scapulae
• D. Trapezius

Answer: (A)

The movements described are classic actions of the rhomboid muscle group. When these muscles contract, they pull the scapula toward the spine (retraction), rotate the scapula downward, and press the scapula against the thoracic wall to stabilize it during arm movements. The rhomboid major and rhomboid minor originate from the spinous processes of the upper thoracic vertebrae and insert along the medial border of the scapula, which positions them perfectly to pull the scapula medially, downwardly rotate the glenoid cavity, and hold the scapula in place.

Among the options, the rhomboid minor is the best single representative of this combination of actions. The levator scapulae mainly elevates the scapula and can contribute to downward rotation, but it does not retract. The trapezius can retract the scapula via its middle fibers, but its overall actions include elevation and upward rotation with other fibers, so it doesn’t fit the described trio of actions as neatly.