Which muscle(s) have their origin point on the scapula?

• A. Deltoid, Pectoralis major, Pectoralis minor
• B. Biceps, brachialis, triceps
• C. Deltoid, biceps, triceps
• D. Latissimus dorsi, deltoid, pectoralis major

Answer: (C)

Muscle origin is the fixed attachment point from which a muscle begins, and some muscles anchor directly to the scapula to produce shoulder and arm movements.

The deltoid attaches to the scapula at the spine and the acromion (in addition to the clavicle), so it has a scapular origin. The biceps brachii has its short head on the coracoid process and its long head on the supraglenoid tubercle of the scapula, giving scapular origin as well. The long head of the triceps brachii originates from the infraglenoid tubercle on the scapula, while its other heads originate on the humerus; the muscle still includes a scapular origin.

Other muscles listed do not have their primary origin on the scapula—brachialis originates on the humerus, pectoralis major/minor originate on the chest bones (clavicle/sternum or ribs), and latissimus dorsi originates from the spine/iliac crest—so they don’t fit.