Which muscle is NOT listed among the primary muscles responsible for shoulder depression?

• A. Latissimus dorsi
• B. Pectoralis major
• C. Teres Minor
• D. Teres Major

Answer: (C)

Shoulder depression involves pulling the shoulder girdle (the scapula) downward, typically when the arm is fixed overhead or during movements that bring the scapula back toward a neutral position. Muscles that actively contribute to this downward motion include latissimus dorsi, teres major, and pectoralis major. They can pull on the humerus or spine of the scapula in ways that encourage the scapula to drop.

Teres minor, on the other hand, is a rotator cuff muscle whose main roles are external rotation of the humerus and stabilization of the shoulder joint. It does not drive the scapula downward, so it isn’t considered a primary depressor of the shoulder girdle.