ACSM Personal Trainer Certification Practice Exam

The pectoralis minor plays a key role in the movement of the shoulder girdle. Its primary action is protraction, which involves the movement of the shoulder blade (scapula) forward along the rib cage. When the pectoralis minor contracts, it pulls the scapula away from the spine and toward the front of the body, aiding in activities that involve reaching forward or pushing movements.

Protraction is particularly important in various functional movements, such as throwing, pushing, or reaching. Understanding this action helps recognize how the pectoralis minor contributes to overall shoulder stability and mobility. The other movements mentioned, such as retraction, abduction, and adduction, are associated with different muscle groups and actions. Retraction involves pulling the scapula towards the spine, abduction pertains to moving limbs away from the midline of the body, and adduction refers to moving limbs towards the midline. Therefore, the role of the pectoralis minor is distinctly aligned with the action of protraction at the shoulder girdle.