Name the four rotator cuff muscles.

• A. Supraspinatus, Infraspinatus, Teres Minor, Subscapularis
• B. Supraspinatus, Infraspinatus, Teres Major, Subscapularis
• C. Supraspinatus, Infraspinatus, Teres Minor, Latissimus Dorsi
• D. Supraspinatus, Infraspinatus, Subscapularis, Teres Major

Answer: (A)

The rotator cuff consists of four muscles that wrap around the shoulder joint to stabilize the head of the humerus in the glenoid fossa during movement. The four are supraspinatus, infraspinatus, teres minor, and subscapularis. Supraspinatus helps start arm elevation (abduction) and keeps the humeral head centered as movement begins. Infraspinatus and teres minor rotate the arm outward (external rotation) and provide posterior stabilization of the joint. Subscapularis sits on the front of the shoulder and medially rotates the arm while helping to stabilize the front of the joint. Together, they form a tendinous cuff that keeps the humeral head in place during overhead and rotational activities. The other listed muscles are not part of this cuff: teres major and latissimus dorsi are larger extrinsic muscles that contribute to internal rotation and other movements but do not form the rotator cuff.