The serratus anterior muscle is a fan-shaped muscle at the lateral border of the thoracic cage. It is found anterior to the subscapularis and latissimus dorsi muscles, and anteriorly to the serratus anterior muscle, are the pectoralis major and minor muscles. Exercises that involve scapulothoracic motion, cause contraction of the serratus anterior muscle along with other dynamic stabilizing muscles such as rhomboid major and minor muscles, levator scapulae muscle, and trapezii muscles in order to stabilize the scapulothoracic joint. Exercises that generate the contraction of these muscles play an important part in the shoulder rehabilitation process.

Serratus exercises are important during the shoulder rehabilitation process.  The serratus anterior muscle is often weak and most traditional training programs this muscle. That being the case, the serratus anterior muscle is commonly called the forgotten serratus anterior. The serratus anterior muscle, also known as the serratus magnus, originates from the fascia covering the external intercostal muscles and the external posterolateral surfaces of first to ninth ribs, traveling posteromedially on the thorax and anteriorly to the scapula, inserting onto the anteromedial border of the scapula. Found in the supra serratus area is the subscapularis muscle between the serratus anterior and anterior border of the scapula. The sub serratus area consists of the first nine ribs, intercostal muscles as well as the insertions of the serratus posterior superior onto the second to fifth ribs. Nerve innervation of “the forgotten serratus” is by the long thoracic nerve from C5-C7 nerve roots.  Vascular supply is from the superior and lateral thoracic as well as the thoracodorsal arteries. Its digitations found at the site of the origin give the serratus anterior muscle its “saw-toothed” or serrated appearance.