Infraspinatus muscle

Infraspinatus muscle is a thick triangular muscle, which occupies the chief part of the infraspinatous fossa. As one of the four muscles of the rotator cuff, the infraspinatus muscle helps stabilize the shoulder joint. It is also involved in lateral rotation of the arm.

Anatomy

The infraspinatus muscle originates from the medial three quarters of the infraspinatous fossa, and its fibers converge to a tendon that attaches at the middle facet of the greater tubercle of the humerus. The muscle is supplied by the suprascapular nerve.

Function

The infraspinatus muscle is a lateral rotator of the humerus, and also helps to stabilize the shoulder joint. It is also used to move the arm away from the body when the arm is raised to the side.

Clinical significance

Injury to the infraspinatus muscle or its nerve supply can cause weakness in lateral rotation of the arm and difficulty in performing movements that involve moving the arm away from the body.

See also

• Rotator cuff
• Supraspinatus muscle
• Teres minor muscle
• Subscapularis muscle

References

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External links

• WikiMD Article on Infraspinatus Muscle

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