Which muscle lies between the scapula and spine and adducts the scapula?

• A. Trapezius
• B. Rhomboids
• C. Levator Scapulae
• D. Serratus Anterior

Answer: (B)

Adducting the scapula means pulling it toward the spine (retraction). The rhomboid muscles lie between the scapula and the spine, attaching from the vertebrae to the medial border of the scapula. When they contract, they pull the scapula inward toward the vertebral column and help rotate the bottom of the scapula downward, which stabilizes the shoulder. This combination of location (between the scapula and spine) and action (retraction) makes them the best fit for the description. The trapezius can contribute to retraction as well but isn’t situated in the same way between the scapula and spine; levator scapulae mainly elevates the scapula, and serratus anterior protracts the scapula along the rib cage rather than retracting it.