Teres muscle

Teres Major Muscle

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Teres major muscle

The Teres Major Muscle is a muscle of the upper limb and one of the seven scapulohumeral muscles. It is positioned in the superior part of the posterior compartment of the arm, and is a thick and ovoid muscle in a quadrangular form.

Anatomy

The Teres Major Muscle originates from the posterior aspect of the inferior angle and the lower part of the lateral border of the scapula. It inserts at the medial lip of the intertubercular sulcus of the humerus.

Function

The Teres Major Muscle is a medial rotator and adductor of the humerus and assists in drawing the previously raised humerus downward and backward (extension, but inferior to the horizontal plane). It also helps stabilise the humeral head in the glenoid cavity.

Clinical Significance

Injury to the Teres Major Muscle can result in a condition known as winged scapula, which is characterised by the scapula protruding from the back in an abnormal position.

See Also

• Scapulohumeral muscles
• Rotator cuff