Supraspinatus muscle
Musculus supraspinatus
Definition
Supraspinatus muscle | |||
Origin | Supraspinous fossa of the scapula | ||
Insertion | Superior facet of the greater tubercle of the humerus | ||
Artery | Suprascapular and dorsal scapular arteries | ||
Innervation | Suprascapular nerve | ||
Action | Abduction of the arm and stabilization of the humerus | ||
Antagonist | Infraspinatus, teres minor, pectoralis major, and latissimus dorsi |
The supraspinatus muscle, one of the rotator cuff muscles, is located in the supraspinous fossa of the scapula, superior to the scapular spine. Its tendon passes under the acromion process and blends with the joint capsule before inserting onto the superior facet of the greater tubercle of the humerus.
The supraspinatus muscle is vital for initiating arm abduction (first 0-15 degrees) and stabilizing the head of the humerus within the glenoid fossa during joint movements. It is innervated by the suprascapular nerve (C5-C6) from the upper trunk of the brachial plexus, and receives blood supply from the suprascapular and dorsal scapular arteries
References
Jeno SH, Munjal A, Schindler GS. Anatomy, Shoulder and Upper Limb, Arm Supraspinatus Muscle. [Updated 2023 Aug 28]. In: StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; 2025 Jan-. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK537202/