Anatomy, Function and More.

The serratus anterior, commonly referred to as the “boxer’s muscle,” is a component of shoulder stability and overall upper body function. This unique, fan-shaped muscle originates from the lateral aspects of the first eight or nine ribs and inserts along the medial border of the scapula.

Its primary functions include scapular protraction, upward rotation, and holding the scapula against the ribcage.

Anatomically, the serratus anterior is divided into three parts: the superior, intermediate, and inferior slips. The superior slip attaches to the upper angle of the scapula, the intermediate slip to the medial border, and the inferior slip to the inferior angle. Each part contributes to different aspects of scapular motion and control.

This muscle plays a significant role in pushing-type movements: in fact by getting stronger at exercises like push ups, bench presses, and overhead press-like movements, you can strengthen the SA, and enhance your shoulder strength & athletic performance.

While we see terms like “Shoulder-Instability/disfunction” get thrown around frequently by fitness experts, it’s important to acknowledge that based on evidence, we know that body asymmetry and asymmetrical movements (dominant vs non-dominant arm) are actually normal and very common, and that scapular winging/tilting is not necessarily a predictor of pain and/or scapular problems and can be frequently present even in over-head athletes that perform at very high levels.