what are the four muscles of the rotator cuff and their functions

What Are the 4 Muscles in the Rotator Cuff?

• Supraspinatus.
• Infraspinatus.
• Teres Minor.
• Subscapularis.

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What are the four muscles that comprise the rotator cuff?

What Are the 4 Muscles in the Rotator Cuff?

• Supraspinatus. The supraspinatus muscle is unusual in the SITS muscles as it does not rotate the humerus, which is the bone of the upper arm, in the shoulder socket.
• Infraspinatus. The infraspinatus is the strongest muscle that allows you to laterally rotate your arm. ...
• Teres Minor. ...
• Subscapularis. ...

What are the best rotator cuff exercises?

The Best Rotator Cuff Exercises

• Arm Circles
• Wall Slides
• Cable İnternal Shoulder Rotation
• Cable External Shoulder Rotation
• Dumbbell Cuban External Rotation
• Seated Rear Lateral Dumbbell Raise
• Dumbbell Scaption
• Scott Press
• Shoulder Stretch Behind Back. Strengthening the muscles that support your shoulder will help keep your shoulder joint stable. ...

What is the best exercise for rotator cuff injury?

What Exercises Can I Do With a Torn Rotator Cuff?

• Standing Row. A simple exercise to help strengthen your rotator cuff muscles is the standing row. ...
• Internal Rotation. A very similar exercise as the standing row, an internal rotation starts the same way by using a stretch band attached to a sturdy object and bending the ...
• Crossover Arm Stretch. ...
• Posterior Stretch. ...
• Pendulum swing. ...

Can rotator cuff injuries heal by itself?

Sadly, a rotator cuff tear cannot heal on its own. This is true for any tear, from minor to a complete one. See, rotator cuff tears happen on the enthesis of our upper arm bone. This is the transition zone between your tendon and bone. Unfortunately, this area has a poor blood supply, making it harder for repairing cells to reach the tendon. ( 2)

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What are the 4 muscles of the rotator cuff?

The rotator cuff includes the following muscles[1][2][3]:Subscapularis.Infraspinatus.Teres minor.Supraspinatus.

What are the main roles of the rotator cuff muscles in the shoulder?

As a group, the rotator cuff muscles are responsible for stabilizing the shoulder joint, by providing the "fine tuning" movements of the head of the humerus within the glenoid fossa. They are deeper muscles and are very active in the neuromuscular control of the shoulder complex during upper extremity movements.

Which of the 4 rotator cuff muscles is most commonly injured?

The most commonly injured rotator cuff muscle is the supraspinatus. This is in part because this muscle's tendon passes through a very narrow space between the top of the upper arm bone and the underside of the shoulder's top (acromion). Learn more about shoulder anatomy.

What is the function of the supraspinatus muscle?

As part of the Rotator Cuff, supraspinatus helps to resist the gravitational forces which act on the shoulder joint to pull from the weight of the upper limb downward. It also helps to stabilize the shoulder joint by keeping the head of the humerus firmly pressed medially against the glenoid fossa of the scapula.

How many muscles are in the rotator cuff?

four muscle tendonsOverview. There are four muscle tendons that connect to the shoulder that make up the rotator cuff. Together these four tendons stabilize the upper arm bone to the shoulder socket and allow the wide range of motion in the shoulder.

Which muscle is the one most commonly damaged in a rotator cuff injury?

Most tears occur in the supraspinatus tendon, but other parts of the rotator cuff may also be involved.

How can you tell the difference between a strained rotator cuff and a torn rotator cuff?

For starters, both have similar symptoms like pain, swelling, and stiffness. With a tear, the arm can barely move overhead. Tendinopathy tends to happen over months, even years, of overuse. Tears, however, are sharp pains that generally occur after a sports collision or accident.

Why is the supraspinatus the most commonly torn?

The supraspinatus tendon is the most commonly injured tendon of the four tendons because it lies predominantly in the space between the acromion and the humeral head.

How long does it take for a torn rotator cuff to heal without surgery?

Usually, mild rotator cuff tears or sprains will heal within four weeks. In other severe cases, the recovery might take 4 to 6 months or even longer based on several factors such as the severity of the tear, age, and other health complications.

What is the function of infraspinatus?

The infraspinatus muscle's action on the shoulder is primarily through its function as a rotator cuff muscle providing glenohumeral stability. The rotator cuff applies compression upon the head of the humerus that allows for the stabilization of the humeral head during shoulder abduction.

What is the function of teres minor?

As a rotator cuff muscle, the teres minor stabilizes the ball-and-socket glenohumeral joint by helping hold the humeral head (ball) into the shallow glenoid cavity of the scapula (socket). The teres minor also laterally or externally rotates the arm at the shoulder joint.

What is the function of the deltoid muscle?

What are deltoid muscles? Your deltoid muscles are in your shoulder, which is the ball-and-socket joint that connects your arm to the trunk of your body. Deltoid muscles help you move your arms in different directions. They also protect and stabilize your shoulder joint.

What are 2 warning signs of a rotator cuff tear?

Signs of a rotator cuff tear include: Difficulty and pain caused by raising your arm. Popping or clicking sounds or sensations when moving your arm. Shoulder pain that worsens at night or when resting your arm.

What rotator cuff muscle abducts the shoulder?

The trapezius and serratus anterior muscles work in tandem to coordinate rotation and movement of the scapula to accommodate the full range of motion of the arm. Specifically, they facilitate abduction of the arm from 90 degrees and further upwards.

How can I remember my rotator cuff muscles?

A helpful mnemonic to remember these muscles is "SITS". The glenohumeral joint is a ball and socket joint and comprises a large spherical humeral head and a small glenoid cavity....The rotator cuff includes the following muscles:Subscapularis.Infraspinatus.Teres minor.Supraspinatus.

Why are they called rotator cuff muscles?

Certainly the rotator cuff – as the name suggests – plays a major role in the internal and external rotation of the arm in the shoulder joint. All the muscles mentioned above fulfill different functions. The subscapularis muscle is a powerful internal rotator which also supports the arm during abduction and adduction.

What are the actions of each of the rotator cuff muscles?

The supraspinatus is responsible for abduction, which means it allows the arm to move up away from the body. The subscapularis allows for internal...

How many muscles are involved in the rotator cuff?

There are 4 main muscles that make up the rotator cuff. The names of those 4 muscles are the supraspinatus, the infraspinatus, the tres minor, and...

How do you remember the actions of the rotator cuff?

The supraspinatus is responsible for abduction, which means it allows the arm to move up away from the body. The subscapularis allows for internal...

What muscles are affected in a rotator cuff tear?

While it is impossible to generalize each rotator cuff injury, as they are all unique in some ways, the most likely muscle to be affected is the su...

How many muscles are in the rotator cuff?

Even though the rotator cuff consists only of four muscles, it plays an essential role in the stability and mobility of the most flexible joint in the human body: the shoulder.

What is the fourth muscle of the rotator cuff?

Infraspinatus muscle. The fourth muscle of the rotator cuff is the infraspinatus muscle. It originates in the infraspinatous fossa of the scapula and inserts on the greater tubercle as well.

What is a degenerative disease of the rotator cuff?

An example of a degenerative disease of the rotator cuff is the subacromial impingement syndrome. There the supraspinatus muscle tendon gets impinged at the acromion. This process is commonly caused by a thickened tendon or an inflammation of the overlying bursa leading to an enlargement, thus compressing the subacromial space.

What is the origin of the Teres minor muscle?

Teres minor muscle. Origin: lateral border of scapula. Insertion: greater tubercle of humerus. Innervation: axillary nerve (C5, C6) Function: external rotation and adduction of arm at glenohumeral joint; stabilization of the humeral head in glenoid cavity. Subscapularis muscle.

What is the function of the rotator cuff?

The main function of the rotator cuff is to stabilize and center the humeral head in the joint socket, the glenoid cavity. In addition, the muscles tighten the joint capsule preventing a pinch during shoulder movements.

What is the function of the cuff muscle?

Its function is related to the glenohumeral joint, where the muscles of the cuff function both as the executors of the movements of the joint and the stabilization of the joint as well.

Which muscle is the main rotator of the arm?

The subscapularis muscle is a powerful internal rotator which also supports the arm during abduction and adduction. Conversely, the teres minor muscle’s function consists primarily of external rotation and adduction of the arm.

How many muscles are in the rotator cuff?

There are four total muscles that form the rotator cuff: Supraspinatus: The supraspinatus muscle originates above the spine of the shoulder blade and inserts on the greater tuberosity of the humerus. Infraspinatus: The infraspinatus muscle originates below the spine of the scapula, in the infraspinatus fossa, and it inserts on ...

What are the muscles that make up the rotator cuff?

There are four total muscles that form the rotator cuff: 1 Supraspinatus: The supraspinatus muscle originates above the spine of the shoulder blade and inserts on the greater tuberosity of the humerus. 2 Infraspinatus: The infraspinatus muscle originates below the spine of the scapula, in the infraspinatus fossa, and it inserts on the posterior aspect of the greater tuberosity (the part of the bone that attaches to the corresponding muscle) of the humerus. 3 Teres minor: The teres minor muscle originates on the lateral scapula border and inserts on the inferior aspect of the greater tuberosity of the humerus. 4 Subscapularis: The subscapularis muscle originates on the anterior, or front surface of the scapula, sitting directly over the ribs, and inserts on the lesser tuberosity of the humerus. 2 

What muscle is responsible for the shoulder joint?

Each rotator cuff muscle performs a specific and important function for your shoulder joint:

What is the rotator cuff?

Your rotator cuff in made up of four muscles that join together as tendons in your shoulder to form a thick covering at the top of the humerus (the bone in the upper arm). Each muscle originates on the shoulder ​blade ( scapula) and connects to the humerus. 1 . The rotator cuff has the important jobs of stabilizing the shoulder, ...

What is the acronym for the rotator cuff?

The acronym SITS is often used as the name for the collection of muscles that make up the rotator cuff: supraspinatus, infraspinatus, teres minor, and subscapularis.

Which muscle is used to move the humerus in the shoulder?

Depressing the head of the humerus: The subscapularis muscle performs this additional function to allow the humerus to move freely in the shoulder joint during the elevation of the arm. 2 

Which muscle is responsible for elevating the shoulder joint out to the side?

Abducting or elevating the shoulder joint out to the side: These motions are performed by the supraspinatus.

What muscles are involved in the rotator cuff?

The rotator cuff includes the following muscles[1][2][3]: . Subscapularis. Infraspinatus.

What is the role of the rotator cuff?

The primary biomechanical role of the rotator cuff is to stabilize the glenohumeral joint by compressing the humeral head against the glenoid. These four muscles arise from the scapula and insert into the humerus.

What muscles help with shoulder rotation?

Additionally, rotator cuff muscles help in the mobility of the shoulder joint by facilitating abduction, medial rotation, and lateral rotation.

Which nerve innervates the subscapularis muscle?

The subscapular nerve (upper and lower branches) innervate s the subscapula ris muscle.

What gives rise to the muscles and ligaments in the body?

Mesoderm gives rise to the muscles and ligaments in the body.

Can rotator cuff muscles be evaluated?

Rotator cuff muscles can undergo independent evaluation when the patient presents with rotator cuff syndrome (explained ahead).

Which muscle is the largest component of the posterior wall of the axilla?

Thesubscapularisis the largest component of the posterior wall of the axilla. It prevents the anterior dislocation of the humerus during abduction and medially rotates the humerus. A large bursa separates the muscle from the neck of the scapula. [4]

Which muscle is most important to the rotator cuff?

The supraspinatus is the most important muscle of the rotator cuff. Supraspinatus muscle starts from the scapula and stretches up to the humerus and the acromion is very close to this muscle. Most of the rotator cuff tear and impingement happen with this muscle. The main function of this muscle is the abduction of the arm.

Where is the rotator cuff located?

Rotator cuff muscle is an important muscle group in the body. This muscle group is located near the shoulder. It consists of four muscles that help in keeping the arm and the shoulder together at the shoulder joint.

What is a rotator cuff tear?

A rotator cuff tear is the tear of the rotator cuff tendon. Arthroscopic rotator cuff surgery is resorted to repair the torn rotator tendon as last option treatment method. The surgery requires small incisions in the rotator cuff muscles to reach the rotator tendons.

Which muscle is involved in the movement of the humerus?

The role of the subscapularis muscle is prominent in the movement of the humerus and the elevation of the arm which requires depressing of the humerus head. Lateral motion of the arm is facilitated by the infraspinatus and teres minor muscles.

What muscles stretch from the scapula to the humerus bone of the arm?

The four rotator cuff muscles have different functions with regard to the arm and shoulder movement. These muscles are: supraspinatus, infraspinatus, teres minor, and subscapularis. They help in holding the humerus bone and prevent it from popping out of the shoulder joint.