Which of the following is not a muscle of the rotator cuff? a. Teres major muscle b. Teres minor muscle c. Subscapularis muscle d. Infraspinatus muscle e. Supraspinatus muscle
Verified step by step guidance
1
Step 1: Understand the anatomy of the rotator cuff. The rotator cuff is a group of four muscles and their associated tendons that stabilize the shoulder joint and allow for a wide range of motion. These muscles are: supraspinatus, infraspinatus, teres minor, and subscapularis.
Step 2: Review the function and location of each rotator cuff muscle. For example, the supraspinatus assists in abduction of the arm, the infraspinatus and teres minor are involved in external rotation, and the subscapularis is responsible for internal rotation.
Step 3: Examine the teres major muscle. The teres major is not part of the rotator cuff. It is located near the teres minor but has a different function, primarily assisting in adduction and internal rotation of the arm.
Step 4: Compare the teres major muscle to the other muscles listed in the question. Note that the teres major does not contribute to the stabilization of the shoulder joint, which is a key function of the rotator cuff muscles.
Step 5: Conclude that the teres major muscle is the correct answer to the question, as it is not part of the rotator cuff group.
Verified video answer for a similar problem:
This video solution was recommended by our tutors as helpful for the problem above
Play a video:
Was this helpful?
Key Concepts
Here are the essential concepts you must grasp in order to answer the question correctly.
Rotator Cuff Muscles
The rotator cuff is a group of four muscles and their associated tendons that stabilize the shoulder joint. These muscles include the supraspinatus, infraspinatus, teres minor, and subscapularis. They play a crucial role in shoulder movement and stability, allowing for a wide range of arm motions.
The teres major is often confused with the teres minor but serves a different function. While the teres minor is one of the rotator cuff muscles, responsible for external rotation of the arm, the teres major is not part of the rotator cuff and primarily aids in internal rotation and adduction of the arm.
Understanding the anatomy of the shoulder joint is essential for identifying the muscles involved in its movement. The shoulder is a ball-and-socket joint, allowing for extensive mobility, but this also makes it susceptible to injuries. Knowledge of the surrounding muscles, including the rotator cuff, is vital for comprehending shoulder mechanics.