Teres minor muscle

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.

Anatomy

The teres minor muscle originates from the upper two-thirds of the lateral border of the scapula, and inserts into the lowest of the three impressions on the greater tubercle of the humerus, and the posterior surface of the joint capsule. The muscle's fibers run obliquely upwards and laterally.

Function

The teres minor muscle, along with the infraspinatus muscle, performs the function of lateral rotation of the arm. Additionally, it helps to adduct the arm and stabilize the humeral head in the glenoid cavity.

Clinical significance

Injury to the teres minor muscle or the axillary nerve that supplies it can result in a condition known as winged scapula. This condition is characterized by a protrusion of the scapula from the back, which can cause discomfort and limit the range of motion of the shoulder.

See also

• Rotator cuff
• Scapula
• Humerus
• Infraspinatus muscle
• Axillary nerve
• Winged scapula

References

Teres minor muscle Resources
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