Which rotator cuff muscle is the primary external rotator?

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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 rotator cuff muscle is the primary external rotator?

Explanation:
When the arm is rotated outward at the shoulder, the primary muscle from the rotator cuff responsible for this motion is the one located on the back of the shoulder blade. It attaches to the back of the scapula and to the greater tubercle of the humerus, and its contraction pulls the humeral head in a direction that creates external rotation, making it the main external rotator. Teres minor also helps with external rotation, especially when the arm is near the body, but its role is supplementary. The other two rotator cuff muscles have different main actions: one initiates arm abduction, and the other medially rotates the humerus.

When the arm is rotated outward at the shoulder, the primary muscle from the rotator cuff responsible for this motion is the one located on the back of the shoulder blade. It attaches to the back of the scapula and to the greater tubercle of the humerus, and its contraction pulls the humeral head in a direction that creates external rotation, making it the main external rotator. Teres minor also helps with external rotation, especially when the arm is near the body, but its role is supplementary. The other two rotator cuff muscles have different main actions: one initiates arm abduction, and the other medially rotates the humerus.

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