Which of the following muscles is involved in shoulder elevation?

The trapezius muscle plays a critical role in shoulder elevation. It is a large, triangular-shaped muscle that extends from the back of the skull down to the middle of the spine and across to the shoulder girdle. The upper fibers of the trapezius are primarily responsible for elevating the scapula, which in turn raises the shoulder. This action is crucial in movements such as lifting the arms overhead or shrugging the shoulders.

The other muscles listed have different functions: the latissimus dorsi primarily aids in shoulder adduction, extension, and internal rotation; the infraspinatus is mainly involved in external rotation of the shoulder; and the serratus anterior assists with scapular protraction and upward rotation but does not directly contribute to shoulder elevation. Understanding the specific roles of these muscles helps clarify why the trapezius is the muscle primarily associated with shoulder elevation.