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Glite Dictionary
posterior serratus muscle

posterior serratus muscle

8.2
A part of the back that pulls the ribs down and back
  • noun
  • /ˌpoʊstɪˈɒrɪər səˈreɪtəs ˈmʌsəl/
  • Specialized
translation icon : músculo serrato posterior
  • In anatomy classes, students learn how the posterior serratus muscle aids in pulling the rib cage downward.

Examples

  • Injuries to the posterior serratus muscle can affect proper movement of the rib cage.

  • Physical therapists may target the posterior serratus muscle during rehabilitation exercises for upper back pain.

  • The posterior serratus muscle helps in expanding the chest during deep breathing.

  • The posterior serratus muscle helps in breathing.

  • Many athletes strengthen their posterior serratus muscles during training.

  • When the posterior serratus muscle is strong, it contributes to efficient rib cage movement during inhalation.

  • Rehabilitation exercises often involve stretching the posterior serratus muscle to improve back flexibility.

Synonyms

serratus posterior
vsposterior serratus muscle
  • Specialized
8.2

A muscle in the upper back that helps move the ribs when you breathe

is identical in meaning but uses a different word order
musculus serratus posterior
vsposterior serratus muscle
  • Specialized
9.9

A back muscle that pulls the ribs down and back

is the same in meaning but written as a Latin anatomical term

Surface Forms

posterior serratus muscle singular
posterior serratus muscles plural

Morphology

posterior + serratus + muscle

The term is fully compositional: 'posterior' (rear) modifies 'serratus muscle' (a saw‑toothed muscle), so it denotes the serratus muscle located at the back that acts on the ribs. Anatomical naming is descriptive and parallels patterns in other languages, so a B1 learner who knows the constituent words can infer the meaning.

Etymology

Posterior serratus muscle: The name posterior serratus muscle comes from its shape and place in the body: posterior means 'back' and serratus means 'saw-like' because its edge has many tooth-like parts. It sits along the ribs and pulls them back and down, so the name helps you remember that it moves the rib cage backward and downward.