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The Daily Insight

What does the supraspinatus attach to

Author

Andrew Campbell

Published Mar 15, 2026

OriginSupraspinous fossa of scapulaInsertionGreater tubercle of humerus

What does the supraspinatus tendon attached to?

The supraspinatus tendon is inserted into the superior facet of the greater tubercle of the humerus.

What does the subscapularis attach to?

The subscapularis muscle originates at the subscapular fossa and inserts into the lesser tubercle of the humerus. The muscle internally rotates and adducts the humerus.

What is the origin insertion and action of supraspinatus?

The supraspinatus muscle originates from the supraspinous fossa, which is a concave surface at the top of the scapula. From the supraspinous fossa of the scapula, the supraspinatus muscle then extends laterally (outward) and inserts onto the humerus, which is the long bone that makes up the upper arm.

What is the distal attachment of the supraspinatus muscle?

The distal attachments of the three rotator cuff muscles that insert into the greater tubercle of the humerus can be abbreviated as SIT when viewed from superior to inferior (Supraspinatus, Infraspinatus, and Teres minor).

Is a supraspinatus tear painful?

The tear can be partial or full-thickness. Pain, loss of range of motion and weakness is the 3 most common symptoms. Supraspinatus tears can be managed conservatively, with NSAID’s and physiotherapy, as well as surgically to repair the tear.

Where does supraspinatus hurt?

Supraspinatus pain is felt at the side of the shoulder in the middle section of the deltoid. In some cases, it can be felt further round the front of the shoulder.

Where does the infraspinatus attach?

OriginInfraspinous fossa of scapulaInsertionGreater tubercle of humerusActionShoulder joint: Arm external rotation; Stabilizes humeral head in glenoid cavityInnervationSuprascapular nerve (C5, C6)Blood supplySuprascapular artery, circumflex scapular arteries

What is the medial attachment of the trapezius?

The paired trapezius muscles form a diamond that attaches medially to the superior nuchal line of the occiput, the external occipital protuberance, ligamentum nuchae, and apices of the spinous processes and their supraspinous ligaments from C7 down to T12.

Where does teres major attach?

OriginsInferior angle and lower part of the lateral border of the scapulaInsertionsIntertubercular sulcus (medial lip) of the humerusInnervationLower subscapular nerve (C5-C7)Blood supplyThoracodorsal branch of subscapular artery and posterior circumflex humeral artery

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What separates the subscapularis and the supraspinatus?

Relations. The tendon of the muscle is separated from the neck of the scapula by a large bursa, which communicates with the cavity of the shoulder-joint through an aperture in the capsule. The subscapularis is separated from the serratus anterior by the subscapularis (supraserratus) bursa.

What action does the supraspinatus perform?

As part of the Rotator Cuff, supraspinatus helps to resist the gravitational forces which act on the shoulder joint to pull from the weight of the upper limb downward. It also helps to stabilize the shoulder joint by keeping the head of the humerus firmly pressed medially against the glenoid fossa of the scapula.

What is the distal attachment of the subscapularis muscle?

Attachments of Subscapularis Muscle: Origin & Insertion Subscapular fossa of the scapula. Insertion: (distal attachments) Lesser tubercle of humerus.

Where does the deltoid muscle attach?

The deltoid is a thick, triangular shoulder muscle. It gets its name because of its similar shape to the Greek letter ‘delta’ (Δ). The muscle has a wide origin spanning the clavicle, acromion and spine of scapula. It passes inferiorly surrounding the glenohumeral joint on all sides and inserts onto the humerus.

Where is the supraspinatus in the shoulder?

The supraspinatus muscle, the most superiorly located of the rotator cuff muscles, resides in the supraspinous fossa of the scapula, superior to the scapular spine.

Is supraspinatus a rotator cuff muscle?

The rotator cuff contains four muscles: Supraspinatus controls internal rotation and lifting of the arm. Infraspinatus allows you to externally rotate your arm in the shoulder socket. Teres minor is a small muscle that helps rotate your arm.

How do you fix inflamed supraspinatus?

This treatment involves physical therapy, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), ice treatments and resting. Corticoid injections can also be used additional to physical therapy. A surgical intervention can be a solution if there is no improvement after 3-6 months of conservative treatment.

How do you relieve supraspinatus pain?

  1. Rest. Resting the shoulder and upper arm is necessary at the first sign of pain from an injury. …
  2. Ice. …
  3. Anti-Inflammatory Medication. …
  4. EPAT Therapy Treatment. …
  5. Kinesiology Tape (KT Tape) or Shoulder Sling. …
  6. Physical Therapy. …
  7. Corticosteroid Injection. …
  8. Rotator Cuff Surgery.

Do supraspinatus tears heal?

A recent research study showed that even a complete tear wasn’t very likely to get bigger (4). In this study, 24 patients who had full thickness supraspinatus tears and who opted to forego surgery were tracked over time. In 2 of the 24 patients, the rotator cuff tear completely healed on its own.

What should I avoid with a supraspinatus tear?

Avoid any extreme ranges of motion in your shoulders. Exercises like behind-the-neck shoulder presses, upright rows, or any exercises that require you to use your upper arms behind your torso. When attempting any exercises with an injured shoulder, make sure you keep your range of motion limited to what’s comfortable.

Can a full thickness tear of the supraspinatus heal without surgery?

Even though most tears cannot heal on their own, good function can often be achieved without surgery. If, however, you are active and use your arm for overhead work or sports, then surgery is most often recommended because many tears will not heal without surgery.

Where does the trapezius attach?

The trapezius inserts on the lateral third of the clavicle, as well as the acromion and scapular spine of the scapula.

What does the trapezius connect?

At its occipital origin, the trapezius is connected to the bone by a thin fibrous lamina, firmly adherent to the skin. The superficial and deep epimysia are continuous with an investing deep fascia that encircles the neck and also contains both sternocleidomastoid muscles.

Does trapezius attach to skull?

The upper trapezius attaches to: Base of the skull. External occipital protuberance and medial third of the superior nuchal line of the occipital bone, via a thin fibrous lamina.

What is the attachment of infraspinatus?

Insertion of the Infraspinatus Specifically, the infraspinatus inserts onto a large, round prominence located at the top, outer portion of the humerus. This prominence is called the greater tubercle or greater tuberosity. The infraspinatus muscle inserts onto the greater tubercle of the humerus.

What is the common insertion point of the supraspinatus infraspinatus and teres minor?

The infraspinatus insertion at the middle facet of the glenoid tubercle allows it to exert a lateral or external rotational force. This force is synergistic with the teres minor, as it inserts on the inferior facet of the glenoid tubercle.

What is the insertion bone of the infraspinatus muscle?

Details. Origin. infraspinous fossa of the scapula. Insertion. middle facet of greater tubercle of the humerus.

Where does teres minor attach?

The teres minor arises from the posterior surface of the scapula, directly adjacent to the upper part of its lateral border. The upper fibers of the muscle culminate in a tendon that inserts on the greater tubercle of the humerus. The tendon blends into the capsule of the shoulder joint.

Where do lats insert?

Latissimus dorsiOriginSpinous processes of vertebrae T7-L5, thoracolumbar fascia, iliac crest, inferior 3 or 4 ribs and inferior angle of scapulaInsertionFloor of intertubercular groove of the humerusArteryThoracodorsal branch of the subscapular arteryNerveThoracodorsal nerve (C6, C7, C8)

Where does the soleus originate and insert?

OriginSoleal line, medial border of tibia, head of fibula, posterior border of fibulaInsertionPosterior surface of calcaneus (via calcaneal tendon)InnervationTibial nerve (S1, S2)VascularizationPosterior tibial artery and veinFunctionTalocrural joint: Foot plantar flexion

What is Subscapular?

The subscapularis is a muscle in your shoulder that helps you internally rotate your arm. When your arm is internally rotated, it means that your palm is facing back, behind your body. The subscapularis is the largest muscle in the rotator cuff, which is a group of muscles that attaches your upper arm to your shoulder.