Teres minor

Teres minor is a narrow, elongated muscle of the rotator cuff. The muscle originates from the lateral border and adjacent posterior surface of the corresponding right or left scapula and inserts at both the greater tubercle of the humerus and the posterior surface of the joint capsule.

Anatomy

The Teres minor muscle originates from the upper two-thirds of the lateral border of the scapula, and inserts into the inferior facet of the greater tubercle of the humerus. The tendon of this muscle passes across, and is united with, the posterior part of the capsule of the shoulder-joint. A bursa is often found between the tendon and the capsule.

Function

The Teres minor muscle is a narrow, elongated muscle of the rotator cuff. The muscle originates from the lateral border and adjacent posterior surface of the corresponding right or left scapula and inserts at both the greater tubercle of the humerus and the posterior surface of the joint capsule. The Teres minor muscle, along with the Infraspinatus muscle, performs the function of lateral rotation of the arm. In addition, it helps to hold the head of the humerus in the glenoid cavity during movement of the arm.

Clinical significance

Injury to the Teres minor muscle is relatively rare but can occur as a result of direct trauma, overuse, or aging. Symptoms of a Teres minor injury can include pain, weakness, and loss of mobility in the shoulder. Treatment typically involves rest, physical therapy, and in some cases, surgery.

See also

• Rotator cuff
• Scapula
• Humerus
• Infraspinatus muscle

References

Teres minor Resources
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