Anatomy of the Shoulder Muscles Home -> Advanced Training -> Muscular Anatomy -> Shoulder Anatomy   The Deltoid is a three-headed muscle that caps the shoulder. The three heads of the Deltoid are the Anterior, Lateral, and Posterior. All three Deltoid heads attach to the humerus. The Anterior and Lateral heads originate on the collar bone, while the Posterior head originates on the scapula. The Anterior Delt contributes to many Pec-related movement, e.g. bench press. The Lateral Delt is most active in dedicated lateral movements. The Posterior Delt is often activated in back exercises that involve the Teres Major and Rhomboid muscles. Anatomy Chart courtesy of FCIT Functions The function of the Deltoid muscle is essentially to move the arm away from the body. The Anterior head raises it away to the front, the Lateral head up and away to the side and the Posterior head away to the rear. Exercises Exercises that work the Deltoids include: Seated dumbell press Bent-over laterals Lateral raises Military press Front raises Clean and press Here is a list of unique exercises and articles for the shoulders that have been published in our monthly training newsletter "BetterU News" and on our membership site Powerful Training Secrets Free Trial area (these links will open in new windows). Barbell Hang Clean and Press For Explosive Shoulders and Traps Reverse Alternating Dumbell Shoulder Presses Target: Rear Delts. One simple movement and they'll be on fire! Secret Training Tip #427 - Chain & Plate Side Delt Laterals Secret Training Tip # 709 - Improvise a Shoulder Press Machine Secret Training Tip #998 - Lying Rolling Floor Laterals...Simply THE Most Powerful, Results-Producing Rear Delt Exercise You Will EVER Use Secret Training Tip #991 - Pike Handstand Push-Ups and Horizontal Push-Ups Secret Training Tip #665 - The CURE For Stubborn Shoulders...The Two-Phase Barbell Shoulder Press