Muscle
Teres major
"Lat's little helper"
High-yield
Not a rotator cuff muscle; forms the lower border of the quadrangular/triangular spaces. Lower subscapular nerve.
Overview
A thick muscle at the inferolateral scapula that assists latissimus dorsi in adduction and medial rotation of the arm.
Reference facts
- Origin
- Posterior surface of the inferior angle of the scapula
- Insertion
- Medial lip of the intertubercular groove of the humerus
- Action
- Adducts and medially rotates the arm
- Innervation
- Lower subscapular nerve (C5, C6)
- Blood supply
- Subscapular / circumflex scapular arteries
Frequently asked questions
What does the teres major do?
The teres major adducts and medially rotates the arm.
What nerve innervates the teres major?
The teres major is innervated by the lower subscapular nerve (C5, C6).
Where does the teres major attach?
The teres major originates from the posterior surface of the inferior angle of the scapula and inserts on the medial lip of the intertubercular groove of the humerus.
What is the blood supply of the teres major?
The teres major is supplied by the subscapular / circumflex scapular arteries.