Which statement best describes shoulder depression?

• A. Only scapular movement but not the arm
• B. An upward movement of the arm relative to the trunk
• C. A downward movement of the arm relative to the trunk
• D. Internal rotation of the shoulder

Answer: (C)

Shoulder depression means lowering the shoulder girdle toward the feet, which occurs as the scapula moves downward on the thorax. When this downward movement happens, the arm’s position relative to the trunk also lowers, so describing it as a downward movement of the arm captures the visible effect of depressions on the shoulder complex. Elevation would be the opposite action, while internal rotation is a different rotational movement that doesn’t describe vertical lowering. While depression mainly involves the scapula, the resulting posture is a lower arm relative to the trunk, making this the best description.