Which nerve is primarily associated with the function of the serratus anterior?

The serratus anterior muscle is primarily responsible for protracting and stabilizing the scapula against the thoracic wall, which is crucial for shoulder movement, particularly during actions like pushing and lifting. The long thoracic nerve innervates the serratus anterior, providing it with the necessary motor function.

Injury to the long thoracic nerve can result in a condition known as "winged scapula," where the medial border of the scapula protrudes away from the thorax due to the inability of the serratus anterior to hold it in place. This not only affects the posture but can also impair upper limb function.

Other nerves have different roles and points of innervation. For instance, the thoracodorsal nerve primarily innervates the latissimus dorsi, which is involved in shoulder extension and adduction. The axillary nerve innervates the deltoid and teres minor muscles, which are responsible for shoulder abduction and external rotation. The dorsal scapular nerve innervates the rhomboid and levator scapulae muscles, which facilitate scapular retraction and elevation. Each of these nerves has specific functions unrelated to the primary action of the serratus anterior.