Activity – Analyzing the Rhomboids

In this activity we will use the "3 Rules of Muscles" to determine the joint actions of the
rhomboids. Answer the questions below:

 Hints in Blue

Scapula (Shoulder Girdle) Joint Actions Word Bank

Action Plane
Elevation Frontal
Depression Frontal
Upward Rotation Frontal
Downward Rotation Frontal
Protraction Transverse
Retraction Transverse
Anterior Tipping Sagittal
Posterior Tipping Sagittal

© 2014 Brent Brookbush

1. When the rhomboids contract, what action do you think they are best at (may be easier to
visualize both rhomboids contracting simultaneously)?

Retraction

2. If the rhomboids are lengthened in upward rotation, what joint action could they contribute to
while shortening?

Downward Rotation

3. With the oblique (diagonal) arrangement of fibers, would the scapula slightly elevate or
slightly depress when the rhomboids contract?

Slightly Elevate

4. Re-write your answers into one succinct table?

Rhomboids
o Joint it crosses: Scapula
o Actions: Retraction, downward rotation and elevation

© 2014 Brent Brookbush