
Muscles composing rotator cuff
Muscle | Origin on scapula | Attachment on humerus | Function | Innervation |
Supraspinatus muscle | supraspinous fossa | superior [2] facet of the greater tuberc ... | abducts the humerus | Suprascapular nerve ( C5 ) |
Infraspinatus muscle | infraspinous fossa | middle facet of the greater tubercle | externally rotates the humerus | Suprascapular nerve ( C5 – C6 ) |
Teres minor muscle | middle half of lateral border | inferior facet of the greater tubercle | externally rotates the humerus | Axillary nerve ( C5 ) |
Subscapularis muscle | subscapular fossa | lesser tubercle | internally rotates the humerus | Upper and Lower subscapular nerve ( C5 – ... |
- Subscapularis.
- Infraspinatus.
- Teres minor.
- Supraspinatus.
What are the main signs of rotator cuff injury?
The pain associated with a rotator cuff injury may:
- Be described as a dull ache deep in the shoulder
- Disturb sleep
- Make it difficult to comb your hair or reach behind your back
- Be accompanied by arm weakness
What muscles lift the arm at the shoulder?
- Levator scapulae; It is a small muscle like muscle that extends from the neck to the scapula and attaches to the spinal cord first. It helps lift the scapula.
- Latissimus dorsi; It started at the lower back, the iliac elbow and the last three ribs. Holds the humerus. ...
- Trapezius; It is a triangular, broad, flat muscle with upper muscles above the spine. ...
How do you treat rotator cuff pain?
Treatment depends on the underlying cause of the rotator cuff disease. A full-thickness tear of a rotator cuff tendon usually requires surgery, while tendinosis and partial thickness tears are usually treated by rest, anti-inflammatories and physical therapy.
What are the causes of fraying in the rotator cuff?
What You Need to Know
- Rotator cuff tendons inside the shoulder may wear down with age, which may lead to partial rotator cuff tears.
- Some partial rotator cuff tears may go unnoticed because they don’t always cause pain.
- A condition called frozen shoulder can sometimes mimic the symptoms of partial rotator cuff tears.

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.
What is the most commonly involved muscle in the rotator cuff tears?
Most tears occur in the supraspinatus tendon, but other parts of the rotator cuff may also be involved.
What four 4 muscles make up the rotator cuff?
The rotator cuff includes the following muscles[1][2][3]:Subscapularis.Infraspinatus.Teres minor.Supraspinatus.
What is the most commonly injured muscle in the shoulder?
Rotator cuff tears are among the most common types of shoulder injuries. Rotator cuff tears are most common in people who repeatedly perform overhead motions.
Why is the supraspinatus the most commonly torn rotator cuff muscle?
The supraspinatus is most commonly injured because there are three different positions that it can become compressed. Overuse of the shoulder can cause the muscle and tendon to become inflamed.
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...
What muscles are involved in the rotator cuff?
Four muscles make up the rotator cuff: the subscapularis, teres minor, supraspinatus, and infraspinatus. Together they assist in stabilizing the shoulder joint as well as in performing various arm movements.
What muscle is responsible for lateral rotation of the arm?
Infraspinatus is the main muscle responsible for lateral rotation of your arm away from the centerline of your body. It’s a thick triangular muscle. It covers the back of your shoulder blade deep below the skin and close to the bone.
What muscles hold your arm in place?
The rotator cuff is a group of four muscles that hold your upper arm in place in your shoulder. It helps you make all the motions of your arm and shoulder.
How long does it take for a rotator cuff tear to heal?
Most people regain their range of motion and strength after 4 to 6 months.
What is partial tear of the rotator cuff?
Partial tears of the rotator cuff tendons. The tendon is damaged or frayed but isn’t torn away from the bone.
Where do the muscles in the shoulder originate?
All four muscles originate in your shoulder blade, but the other end of the muscle leads to different parts of your upper arm bone.
Can rotator cuff tendons cause bone spurs?
Bone spurs. These can form when rotator cuff tendons rub on the shoulder bones. Bone spurs don’t always cause a rotator cuff injury.
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
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 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.
Why does my shoulder hurt?
Wear and tear of the rotator cuff and shoulder joint may occur due to repetitive stress and postural neglect. When this happens, different structures around your rotator cuff may become compromised.
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
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.
Where does the suprascapular artery originate?
The suprascapular arteryis a branch of the thyrocervical trunk (a major branch of the subclavian artery) and originates at the base of the neck. It enters the posterior scapular region superior to the suprascapular foramen (the nerve passes through the foramen) and supplies the supraspinatusand infraspinatusmuscles.
Where does the posterior circumflex humeral artery originate?
It gives vascular supply to the subscapularis muscle. The posterior circumflex humeral artery originates from the third part of the axillary artery in the axilla. It enters the posterior scapular region through the quadrangular space (accompanied by the axillary nerve) and supplies the teres minormuscle.
Information
The rotator cuff is the name given to the group of four muscles that are largely responsible for the ability to rotate the arm.
LAB 9 EXERCISES 9.1. 1
1. Using the full-scale arm model, locate and identify all four muscles of the rotator cuff, as well as the deltoid muscle and the teres major muscle.
LICENSES AND ATTRIBUTIONS
A&P Labs. Authored by: Ross Whitwam. Provided by: Mississippi University for Women. Located at: http://www.muw.edu. License: CC BY-SA: Attribution-ShareAlike
Why is the rotator cuff important?
And your rotator cuff is a big part of that. It protects your shoulder joint and lets you move your arms over your head. It’s especially important in sports like baseball, swimming, or tennis.
What is the term for inflammation of the rotator cuff?
It’s usually treated with physical therapy and medication, or you may need surgery. Rotator cuff tendinopathy. Formerly called tendinitis, this is inflammation or irritation of a tendon that attaches to a bone. It causes pain in the area just outside the joint.
What holds your humerus in place and keeps your upper arm stable?
Supraspinatus. This holds your humerus in place and keeps your upper arm stable. And helps lift your arm.
Which bone holds your arm straight out?
Subscapularis. This holds your upper arm bone to your shoulder blade and helps you rotate your arm, hold it straight out and lower it.
What department is subscapularis?
University of Washington Department of Radiology: “Subscapularis.”
Which part of the rotator cuff protects the muscles and tendons?
Cranial to the rotator cuff, there is a bursa which covers and protects the muscle and tendons, as they are in close contact to the surrounding bones.
Which muscle is responsible for stabilizing the shoulder joint?
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.
How to tell if you have rotator cuff injuries?
The most common signs of rotator cuff injuries are: Pain (may or may not be present). Can be localized to anterior / lateral aspect of the shoulder, with referred pain down the upper arm (lateral aspect). Painful range of motion.
What is the subscapular fossa?
subscapular fossa. lesser tuberosity or humeral neck. endorotation. (medial / internal rotation) Cranial to the rotator cuff, there is a bursa which covers and protects the muscle and tendons, as they are in close contact to the surrounding bones.
What is the name of the muscle that connects to the head of the humerus?
They are also referred to as the SITS muscle , with reference to the first letter of their names ( Supraspinatus, Infraspinatus, Teres minor, and Subscapularis, respectively). The muscles arise from the scapula and connect to the head of the humerus, forming a cuff around the glenohumeral (GH) joint.
Which is the gold standard for MRI of rotator cuff?
Although, MRI is the gold standard imaging method for rotator cuff pathologies, US can be used as it has a good diagnostic accuracy (Evidence level 2a), more cost effective and readily available .
Can RC tendinopathy be diagnosed in a clinic?
Clinical Tests: The diagnosis of an RC tendinopathy can be done in a clinic with the use of Cluster Tests:
What is the rotator cuff?
The rotator cuff is a group of muscles and tendons that hold the shoulder joint in place and allow you to move your arm and shoulder. Problems occur when part of the rotator cuff becomes irritated or damaged. This can result in pain, weakness and reduced range of motion.
How to strengthen rotator cuff muscles?
With your elbow at a 90-degree angle, put the palm of your hand on the side of a wall or door frame that's in front of you (A). Place a folded towel between your side and upper arm. Your goal is to keep the towel there as you press your palm against the wall or doorframe for several seconds. For the second exercise, keep the towel in place (not shown) and shift your body so that you're standing next to a wall (B). With your elbow at a 90-degree angle, press your elbow and forearm against the wall for several seconds. Repeat each exercise 10 times for five sets.
How to prevent rotator cuff injury?
If you are at risk of rotator cuff injuries or if you've had a rotator cuff injury in the past, daily shoulder strengthening exercises can help prevent future injury.
What are the types of rotator cuff injuries?
Types of rotator cuff injuries. Rotator cuff injuries can range in severity from simple inflammation to complete tendon tears. The rotator cuff is a group of muscles and tendons that surround the shoulder joint, keeping the head of your upper arm bone firmly within the shallow socket of the shoulder. A rotator cuff injury can cause ...
Why does my rotator cuff hurt?
Causes. Rotator cuff disease may be the result of either a substantial injury to the shoulder or to progressive degeneration or wear and tear of the tendon tissue. Repetitive overhead activity or heavy lifting over a prolonged period of time may irritate or damage the tendon.
What are some examples of rotator cuff disease?
These may occur earlier in people who have jobs that require repeatedly performing overhead motions. Examples include painters and carpenters. Many people with rotator cuff disease can manage their symptoms and return to activities with physical therapy exercises that improve flexibility and strength of the muscles surrounding the shoulder joint.
What is the pain associated with a rotator cuff injury?
The pain associated with a rotator cuff injury may: Be described as a dull ache deep in the shoulder. Disturb sleep. Make it difficult to comb your hair or reach behind your back. Be accompanied by arm weakness.
What muscles are involved in the rotator cuff?
The shoulder’s rotator cuff is comprised of four main muscles – subscapularis, supraspinatus, infraspinatus, and teres minor. These muscles work together with the humerus, scapula, clavicle, humeral head, and glenoid fossa to give you range of motion. Another shoulder muscle, the deltoid, works together with the rotator cuff to allow you ...
How to heal rotator cuff tendon?
The four muscles protect this tendon during healing. By continuing to strengthen the subscapularis, supraspinatus, infraspinatus, and teres minor, you are creating a stronger community for the rotator cuff tendon to heal. If you neglect to exercise your shoulder, you risk further damage to the tendon. Of course there is a specific schedule that determines the rate of exercise that works in accordance with your body rather than to harm it further. Check out our previous blog of proper shoulder recovery exercises and timeline for more information.
Is the rotator cuff part of shoulder surgery?
So you see, the muscles in your rotator cuff are an integral part of healing from a reverse total shoulder replacement surgery. Take care of yours for the best healing.

Anatomy
Function
- Each rotator cuff muscle performs a specific and important function for your shoulder joint: 1. Stabilizing the head of the humerus in the shoulder joint:Thesupraspinatus, infraspinatus, teres minor, and subscapularis muscles all work together to achieve this. 2. Abducting or elevating the shoulder joint out to the side:These motions are performed by the supraspinatus. 3. Externally ro…
Associated Conditions
- Sometimes, shoulder pain can come on for no apparent reason. Wear and tear of the rotator cuff and shoulder joint may occur due to repetitive stress and postural neglect. When this happens, different structures around your rotator cuff may become compromised. If you have suffered an injury to your rotator cuff, you may experience pain or weakness when lifting your arm. Your rota…
Rehabilitation
- Depending on the severity of a rotator cuff injury, prescribed treatment can range from simple rest and immobilization to surgery. Because recovery from surgery to repair a torn rotator cuff can be slow, orthopedic surgeons tend to shy away from ordering these procedures with the exception of younger patients, those with major tears, or older patients whose jobs depend heavily on the sh…
A Word from Verywell
- Knowing the four muscles of the rotator cuff and how they function is an important component to understanding your shoulder rehab. Check with your PT to learn more about your shoulder pain and the rotator cuff muscles that help support your shoulder.