AFAA Personal Trainer Certification Practice Exam

What role does the trapezius muscle serve with respect to the shoulder girdle?

1. It connects the torso to the lower limbs

2. It facilitates upward and downward movement of the shoulder girdle

3. It stabilizes the spine during physical activity

4. It allows for rotation of the shoulder joint.

The correct answer is: It facilitates upward and downward movement of the shoulder girdle

The trapezius muscle plays a crucial role in the movement and stabilization of the shoulder girdle. It is a large, triangular muscle that extends down the back and acts mainly to facilitate both upward and downward movement of the shoulder girdle. This includes actions like shrugging the shoulders, which involves elevating the shoulder blades, and the lowering of the shoulder blades back to a resting position. The trapezius has several functions: it helps elevate the scapula when you raise your arms, provides stability to the shoulder joint, and assists with rotation of the scapula during overhead arm movements. Understanding the biomechanics of the trapezius is essential for personal trainers as it informs how to design effective and safe exercise programs that include shoulder and upper back movements. Other options, like the connection between the torso and lower limbs or the stabilization of the spine, do not accurately capture the specific role of the trapezius related to the shoulder girdle. Lastly, while the trapezius can contribute to the positioning of the shoulder during arm rotations, it is primarily known for movements involving elevation and depression of the scapula, which is why the second option is the most relevant response.