Which of the following actions is performed by the pectoralis minor muscle?

The pectoralis minor muscle plays a specific role in the movement and positioning of the scapula. It primarily performs depression, protraction, and downward rotation of the scapula.

When the pectoralis minor contracts, it pulls the scapula downward, which helps in achieving depression. Protraction refers to the movement of the scapula away from the spine, and the pectoralis minor assists in this action by pulling the scapula forward. Additionally, its downward rotation is important for certain movements of the shoulder girdle, enabling the arm to move through different planes effectively.

This understanding of the muscle’s function is crucial for evaluating movement patterns in rehabilitation and in designing appropriate orthotic and prosthetic devices. The role in facilitating these specific scapular movements can greatly impact shoulder mechanics, especially when considering activities that require reaching or lifting.