Muscle
Teres minor
Rotator cuff - lateral rotation
High-yield
Only rotator cuff muscle supplied by the axillary nerve; laterally rotates the arm.
Overview
The small rotator cuff muscle inferior to infraspinatus, sharing its lateral-rotation action and innervated by the axillary nerve.
Learning this group? Read The rotator cuff muscles, explained.
Reference facts
- Origin
- Superior part of the lateral (posterior) border of the scapula
- Insertion
- Inferior facet of the greater tubercle of the humerus
- Action
- Laterally rotates the arm; stabilises the glenohumeral joint
- Innervation
- Axillary nerve (C5, C6)
- Blood supply
- Circumflex scapular artery
Frequently asked questions
What does the teres minor do?
The teres minor laterally rotates the arm; stabilises the glenohumeral joint.
What nerve innervates the teres minor?
The teres minor is innervated by the axillary nerve (C5, C6).
Where does the teres minor attach?
The teres minor originates from the superior part of the lateral (posterior) border of the scapula and inserts on the inferior facet of the greater tubercle of the humerus.
What is the blood supply of the teres minor?
The teres minor is supplied by the circumflex scapular artery.