Which muscle retracts the scapula and downwardly rotates it, with origin on spinous processes T2-T5?

• A. Rhomboid major
• B. Rhomboid minor
• C. Levator scapulae
• D. Serratus anterior

Answer: (A)

Retracting the scapula (adduction) and downwardly rotating it are actions produced by the rhomboid muscles. The major specifically originates from the spinous processes of T2 through T5 and inserts on the medial border of the scapula, pulling the scapula toward the spine and rotating it downward. This origin-from-T2-to-T5 clue points to the rhomboid major; the rhomboid minor comes from higher up (C7-T1) and isn’t tied to that thoracic origin. Levator scapulae elevates the scapula (and downwardly rotates) but originates from the cervical vertebrae (C1–C4), not T2–T5, while serratus anterior protracts the scapula and upwardly rotates it, not retracting. So the muscle that best fits both actions and the specified origin is the rhomboid major.