Rotator Cuff Muscle Anatomy

The Rotator Cuff is a group of muscles that work in the shoulder joint to keep the humerus from dislocating. This makes the Rotator Cuff critical for shoulder stability.


Rotator Cuff Muscle Anatomy

Anatomy Chart courtesy of FCIT


There are four muscles in the Rotator Cuff: the Teres Minor, the Infraspinatus, the Supraspinatus and the Subscapularis (not pictured - it lies on the front aspect of the scapula)

These muscles all work together to keep tension on the humerus, locking it into the shoulder joint.

The Rotator Cuff is one of the primary areas of shoulder trauma; when someone has a shoulder injury, chances are very good that is related to injury in the Rotator Cuff.

This trauma can be due to sudden injury or can be from overuse in undesirable movement patterns. The upright row exercise is a prime example of this undesirable movement pattern.

 

Functions of the Rotator Cuff Muscles

The main functions of the Rotator Cuff muscles are shoulder joint stabilization and external rotation of the humerus (rotating the arm to the rear).

 

Rotator Cuff Exercises

Exercises that work the Rotator Cuff include:

  • Lying side raises
  • L-flyes
  • Cuban Presses
  • Three-in-one raises
  • Cable L-flyes


Visit the Shoulder Exercise Index for movements that target your shoulders.

 

 

 More From Fitstep.com

Countdown Alternating Sets for Legs
3 Things People Do To Totally Screw Up Their Fat Loss
Exercise At Home With Improvised Equipment
Squat With ZERO Back Pain With One-Arm Gripping Dumbbell Squats

 

Share This Page...



---
Home -> Exercise Library -> Muscle Anatomy Index -> Rotator Cuff Muscle Anatomy


     Site Search

 

     Follow Us On...

 

 

Click "Like" to Get New Exercises and Tips EVERY DAY!

 

 

 

Subscribe to my YouTube Channel Here...

And see every new exercise and training technique the moment I load it up!

 

 

Recommended For You...

Time-Volume Training

Time-Volume Training

Build muscle and strength like clockwork, even with very limited equipment, or NO equipment at all. This unconventional approach even builds muscle with light weight, saving your joints and nervous system from overload while you build mass fast.

Build muscle like clockwork now...