Which muscle action is primarily responsible for shrugging the shoulders?

• A. Elevation of the scapula
• B. Protraction of the scapula
• C. Retraction of the scapula
• D. Depression of the scapula

Answer: (A)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Identify the anatomical structure involved in shrugging the shoulders, which is the scapula.
2. Understand the movement of shrugging: it involves lifting the shoulders upwards.
3. Recognize that the upward movement of the scapula is referred to as 'elevation'.
4. Differentiate between the terms: 'elevation' (lifting upwards), 'protraction' (moving forward), 'retraction' (moving backward), and 'depression' (moving downward).
5. Conclude that the primary muscle action responsible for shrugging the shoulders is the elevation of the scapula.