Teres Minor - Muscle Physiology & Functional Anatomy

Anatomy

Origin:

• Lateral border (posterior on upper & middle part) of the (lateral) scapula

Insertion:

• Inferior facet of (posterior) greater tubercle of the humerus

Major Arteries:

• Posterior circumflex humeral artery

• Circumflex scapular artery

Neural Innervation:

• Axillary nerve

Trigger Points:

Physiology

Concentric Functions:

• External rotation, transverse abduction & transverse extension of the humerus

Eccentric Functions:

• Decelerates shoulder internal rotation

Isometric Function:

• Posterior stabilization of the shoulder joint

Related Muscles

• Supraspinatus

• Subscapularis

• Infraspinatus

Antagonists:

• Deltoids
• Others depending on motion

Exercises:

• Rotator Cuff Exercises

More Images of the Teres Minor Muscle

More Information about the Teres Minor Muscle

Derived from the Latin word 'teres' meaning rounded, the teres minor muscle is a narrow, elongated muscle and is one of the four muscles that make up the rotator cuff along with the supraspinatus, subscapularis and infraspinatus.  The teres minor muscle works closely with the infraspinatus.  The teres minor also plays a role as a protective reflex to enhance proprioception during functional movements.

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