The word "serratus" is a Latin term used to refer to a saw-like muscle located in the upper body. The correct phonetic transcription for "serratus" is /səˈrætəs/, with emphasis on the second syllable. The spelling of this word reflects the Latin root word "serra", which means saw or serrated. The muscle is named after its jagged appearance, which resembles the teeth of a saw. The correct spelling and pronunciation of "serratus" are important for medical professionals who frequently refer to this muscle in their work.
Serratus, also known as the serratus muscle or serratus anterior, is a term used to refer to a specific muscle in the human body. It is an anatomical term that describes a flat, fan-shaped muscle located on the lateral sides of the chest wall, extending from the upper eight or nine ribs to the scapula or shoulder blade.
The serratus muscle is prominently visible on the surface of the body, especially when well-developed or toned. It is composed of long, slender muscle fibers that originate from the surface of the ribs and attach to the medial border of the scapula. The muscle is divided into several sections or "fingers," with each section originating from different ribs.
The function of the serratus muscles includes stabilizing and protracting the scapula, assisting in the movement of the shoulder joint, and aiding in maintaining good posture. When contracted, the serratus muscle helps to pull the scapula forward and around the rib cage, contributing to movements such as pushing, lifting, and reaching overhead.
In terms of clinical relevance, the serratus muscle plays a crucial role in certain athletic activities like swimming, boxing, or rock climbing, as it is involved in generating power and stability for arm movements. Additionally, weaknesses or imbalances in the serratus muscle can lead to shoulder girdle dysfunction, scapular winging, or other movement-related issues that may require specific rehabilitative exercises to address.
Serrate, serrated; see under musculus.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
The word "serratus" comes from the Latin term "serrātus", which means "saw-like" or "notched". It is derived from the verb "serrāre", meaning "to saw". The term was likely coined due to the serrated or saw-toothed appearance of certain muscles or anatomical features, such as the serratus anterior muscle, which has a similar appearance to the teeth of a saw.