Which muscle has an action to adduct the scapula?

• A. Rhomboid major
• B. Rhomboid minor
• C. Trapezius
• D. Levator scapulae

Answer: (A)

Adduction of the scapula means pulling its medial border toward the vertebral column, retracting the shoulder blade. The rhomboid muscles attach along the medial border of the scapula and pull it medially when they contract. The rhomboid major, being the larger of the two rhomboids, provides the primary retraction force for this movement. The trapezius can contribute to retraction as well, but its main roles include elevating or depressing the scapula and rotating the glenoid, not pure adduction. The levator scapulae lifts the scapula rather than pulling it inward. So, the rhomboid major best fits the action of adducting the scapula.