Author: Dr Peter de Souza
Last modified: 23 November 2023

The serratus posterior superior is one of the two muscles within the intermediate group of extrinsic back muscles, the other being the serratus posterior inferior. It is a thin, rectangular shaped muscle which les just deep to the rhomboid major and rhomboid minor. These two thin muscles lie deep to the superficial extrinsic muscles.

Origin

  • Ligamentum nuchae
  • Spinous processes of C7-T3
  • Supraspinous ligaments

Insertion

  • Superior edgeof ribs 2-5 (lateral to their angles)

Action

  • Elevates ribs 2-5

Innervation

  • Anterior rami of upper thoracic nerves: T2-T5

Blood Supply

  • Intercostal arteries