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Skeletal Muscles of the Shoulder Region

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  • Deltoid muscle primary function

    Abducts the arm (raises it away from the body); also assists in flexion, extension, and rotation of the shoulder.

  • Rotator cuff muscles role

    Stabilize and move the shoulder joint. Composed of four muscles: supraspinatus, infraspinatus, teres minor, and subscapularis.

  • Function of supraspinatus muscle

    Initiates abduction of the arm at the shoulder joint.

  • Function of infraspinatus muscle

    Laterally rotates the arm at the shoulder.

  • Function of teres minor muscle

    Laterally rotates the arm, similar to infraspinatus.

  • Function of subscapularis muscle

    Medially rotates the arm at the shoulder joint.

  • Function of teres major muscle

    Adducts and medially rotates the arm.

  • Function of coracobrachialis muscle

    Flexes and adducts the arm at the shoulder.

  • Pectoralis major muscle actions on the shoulder

    Flexes, adducts, and medially rotates the arm.

  • Latissimus dorsi muscle actions on the shoulder

    Extends, adducts, and medially rotates the arm.

  • Upper fibers of trapezius muscle function

    Elevate and rotate the scapula; helps with shoulder shrugging.

  • Function of rhomboid muscles (major and minor)

    Retract (pull back) and stabilize the scapula.

  • Function of serratus anterior muscle

    Protracts (pulls forward) and stabilizes the scapula; important for pushing movements.

  • Key movements of the arm at the shoulder joint

    Include abduction, adduction, flexion, extension, and rotation.

  • Role of rotator cuff muscles in shoulder joint

    Stabilize the shoulder joint and assist in its movement.

  • Role of muscles in scapula movement

    Muscles like trapezius, rhomboids, and serratus anterior move and stabilize the scapula.

  • Why is the shoulder joint highly mobile?

    Due to the coordinated action of multiple muscles allowing a wide range of movements.