Rotator Cuff Anatomy
I’m sure that if you are reading my blog tight now, you are suffering from a rotator cuff injury and the doctor probably already explained to you briefly what the rotator cuff is. Anyway, I want to share with you exactly what the rotator cuff is and how important its function is to our shoulder, for better understanding of the exercises for rotator cuff strengthening.
The rotator cuff is comprised of four main muscles crossing the shoulder joint: Supraspinatus, Infraspinatus, Teres minor and Subscapularis. The main functions of the rotator cuff muscles are stabilizing the shoulder joint, locking the humerus into the shoulder joint and rotating the arm to the rear (external rotation of the humerus).
The Rotator Cuff Muscles
Rotator Cuff Anatomy
Supraspinatus – The Supraspinatus elevates the shoulder joint and also works with the other muscles to stabilize the head of the humerus in the shoulder joint. It allows us to hold objects away from our body.
Infraspinatus – The Infraspinatus location is below the spine of the scapula, in its posterior surface. It rotates the shoulder joint and also works with the other muscles to stabilize the head of the humerus in the shoulder joint. This muscle allows us to brush out hair.
Teres Minor – The Teres Minor origin is in the mid section of the lateral border of the scapula. It externally rotates the shoulder joint and also stabilizes the head of the humerus with the other three rotator cuff muscles. This muscle also allows us to brush our hair.
Subscapularis – The Subscapularis origin is in the anterior surface of the scapula. It holds the head of the humerus to prevent it from moving forward. One of the daily uses we do with the Subscapularis is tucking the back of our shirt into our pants.
Great explanation … love the way you explain things.
Thank you!
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