Musculotendinous cuff
Cuffia musculotendinea
- Latin synonym: Manica rotatoria
- Synonym: Rotator cuff
- Related terms: Rotator cuff; Musculotendinous cuff
Definition
The musculotendinous cuff of the shoulder joint (a.k.a. the rotator cuff) is a fibrous sheath formed by the tendons of the four rotator cuff muscles: subscapularis, supraspinatus, infraspinatus, and teres minor. These tendons originate from the scapula and insert into the lesser and greater tubercles of the humerus.
As the tendons cross the shoulder joint, they become flattened and blend with each other and with the joint capsule, reinforcing it. This cuff provides significant strength to the shoulder joint capsule in all directions except inferiorly, which makes it more susceptible to dislocations in a downward direction.
This anatomical arrangement plays a crucial role in stabilizing the shoulder while allowing a wide range of movements characteristic of this joint.
References
Maruvada S, Madrazo-Ibarra A, Varacallo MA. Anatomy, Rotator Cuff. [Updated 2023 Mar 27]. In: StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; 2025 Jan-. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK441844/
Clark JM, Harryman DT 2nd. Tendons, ligaments, and capsule of the rotator cuff. Gross and microscopic anatomy. J Bone Joint Surg Am. 1992 Jun;74(5):713-25.
