Serratus posterior superior
Back
Deep muscle — it lies under other muscles. X-ray makes the muscles over it see-through.
- Origin
- Lower nuchal ligament and spinous processes of C7 to T2 or T3
- Insertion
- Upper borders of ribs 2 to 5, just beyond their angles
- Action
- Raises the upper ribs (traditionally described as aiding breathing in)
- Nerve supply
- Intercostal nerves (T2–T5)
A thin muscle with four slips under the rhomboids. It is traditionally said to lift the ribs in breathing in, though its role is still debated.
Serratus posterior superior anatomy page →