serratus posterior

Definitions of serratus posterior

1. noun

   skeletal muscle that draws the rib cage backward and downward
   synonyms: musculus serratus posterior, posterior serratus muscle

   types:

   serratus posterior inferior

   a thin quadrilateral muscle at the junction of the thoracic and lumbar regions; acts to counteract the pull of the diaphragm on the ribs to which it is attached

   serratus posterior superior

   a thin quadrilateral muscle of the upper and dorsal part of the thorax; acts to elevate the upper ribs

   type of:

   serratus, serratus muscles

   any of several muscles of the trunk