Which four muscles comprise the rotator cuff?

Which four muscles comprise the rotator cuff?

• A. supraspinatus, infraspinatus, teres minor, subscapularis
• B. supraspinatus, infraspinatus, teres minor, teres major
• C. supraspinatus, infraspinatus, subscapularis, teres minor
• D. subscapularis, supraspinatus, infraspinatus, teres minor

Answer: (A)

The rotator cuff is a group of four shoulder muscles that wrap around the head of the humerus to stabilize the glenohumeral joint. These four muscles are supraspinatus, infraspinatus, teres minor, and subscapularis, often remembered as SITS. Their tendons blend with the joint capsule and insert around the humeral head, helping keep it centered during movement. Supraspinatus assists with initiating abduction; infraspinatus and teres minor mainly perform external rotation; and subscapularis provides internal rotation and anterior stabilization. This exact combination defines the rotator cuff, whereas including teres major (which is not part of the cuff) would be incorrect.

The rotator cuff is a group of four shoulder muscles that wrap around the head of the humerus to stabilize the glenohumeral joint. These four muscles are supraspinatus, infraspinatus, teres minor, and subscapularis, often remembered as SITS. Their tendons blend with the joint capsule and insert around the humeral head, helping keep it centered during movement. Supraspinatus assists with initiating abduction; infraspinatus and teres minor mainly perform external rotation; and subscapularis provides internal rotation and anterior stabilization. This exact combination defines the rotator cuff, whereas including teres major (which is not part of the cuff) would be incorrect.