NCSF Functional Anatomy Practice Test

The front raise primarily involves flexing and abducting the shoulder. During this exercise, the arms are lifted straight in front of the body, which requires engagement of the anterior deltoid muscle for shoulder flexion and also involves the supraspinatus muscle to assist in the abduction of the arm. This dual action contributes to the effective movement pattern of the front raise, allowing the individual to raise the weights in a controlled manner while engaging the targeted shoulder muscles.

In contrast, adducting the humerus refers to bringing the arm closer to the body, which is not the action performed in a front raise. Shoulder extension involves moving the arm backward and is contrary to the flexion that occurs in this exercise. Depressing the scapula would involve moving the shoulder blades downwards, which also does not align with the actions occurring during a front raise. Thus, the integrated action of flexing and abducting the shoulder perfectly encapsulates what happens during this exercise, making the selected answer accurate.