Which muscle initiates shoulder abduction in the first 15 degrees of movement?

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Study for the Muscle Actions and Functions – Anatomy and Movement Test. Equip yourself with multiple choice questions, each with detailed explanations and hints. Prepare confidently for your exam!

Multiple Choice

Which muscle initiates shoulder abduction in the first 15 degrees of movement?

Explanation:
Initiating shoulder abduction in the first 15 degrees is driven by the supraspinatus. This small rotator cuff muscle sits in the supraspinous fossa and, as it pulls on the greater tubercle of the humerus, it creates the initial abduction moment while stabilizing the humeral head against the glenoid. The deltoid then becomes the primary abductor once the arm is elevated beyond about 15 degrees, with the supraspinatus continuing to assist and stabilize. The infraspinatus and teres minor mainly contribute to external rotation and joint stability rather than starting the movement, so they don’t initiate abduction.

Initiating shoulder abduction in the first 15 degrees is driven by the supraspinatus. This small rotator cuff muscle sits in the supraspinous fossa and, as it pulls on the greater tubercle of the humerus, it creates the initial abduction moment while stabilizing the humeral head against the glenoid. The deltoid then becomes the primary abductor once the arm is elevated beyond about 15 degrees, with the supraspinatus continuing to assist and stabilize. The infraspinatus and teres minor mainly contribute to external rotation and joint stability rather than starting the movement, so they don’t initiate abduction.

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