Supraspinatus - Muscle Physiology & Functional Anatomy

Anatomy

Origin:

• Supraspinous fossa (groove) of (superior) scapula

  
  

Insertion:

• Superior facet of greater tubercle of humerus

Major Artery:

• Subscapular artery

Neural Innervation:

• Subscapular nerve

Trigger Points:

Physiology

Concentric Functions:

• Shoulder abduction

Eccentric Function:

• Decelerates adduction of the arm

Isometric Function:

• Assists dynamic stabilization of the humeral head in the glenoid fossa

Related Muscles

• Subscapularis

• Infraspinatus

• Teres Minor

Antagonists:

• Latissimus Dorsi
• All other muscles which produce shoulder adduction

Exercises:

• Rotator Cuff Exercises

More Images of the Supraspinatus Muscle

More Information about the Supraspinatus Muscle

The name for the supraspinatus muscle is derived from the Latin words 'supra' which means above and 'spina' which means spine. The supraspinatus initiates abduction & dynamic caudal glide while the deltoid acts as the prime mover during shoulder abduction.

The supraspinatus is the rotator cuff muscle which is most commonly injured. The inability to smoothly abduct the arm against resistance may demonstrate the presence of a rotator cuff injury.

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