Poultry Judging Practice Test

Which muscles are responsible for elevating the wings of a chicken?

1. Latissimus dorsi

2. Pectoralis major

3. Serratus anterior

4. Pectoralis minor

The correct answer is: Pectoralis major

The muscles responsible for elevating the wings of a chicken are primarily the pectoralis major. This muscle is crucial for the strong downstroke of the wing during flight, as it is the main muscle used for powering the wings. When a chicken flaps its wings, the pectoralis major contracts and pulls the wings downward, but it also plays a role in the elevation of the wings when they are lifted back up. In addition, the function of the pectoralis minor supports wing movement but is primarily involved in pulling the wings back towards the body rather than elevating them. The latissimus dorsi and serratus anterior muscles, while they do serve important functions in the animal's general movement and posture, do not primarily focus on wing elevation. Thus, the pectoralis major's role in both lifting and moving the wings makes it the correct choice for this question.