Which muscle is responsible for depressing and pulling the scapula towards the rib cage?

The pectoralis minor is the muscle responsible for depressing and pulling the scapula towards the rib cage. This muscle is located beneath the pectoralis major and plays a crucial role in stabilizing the scapula against the thoracic wall, as well as allowing for movement such as protraction and depression of the scapula. Its contraction helps in activities that involve drawing the shoulders forward and downward, which is essential in various movements and postures.

In contrast, the latissimus dorsi primarily acts on the shoulder joint, responsible for actions like adduction, extension, and internal rotation of the arm. The pectoralis major, although important for upper limb movements, does not specifically function in pulling the scapula downwards. The coracobrachialis is involved in flexing and adducting the arm at the shoulder but does not affect the position of the scapula. Thus, the pectoralis minor is clearly identified as the muscle that pulls the scapula toward the rib cage while also depressing it.