The rotator cuff has four parts.
The rotator cuff is a group of four muscles that surround the shoulder joint. These muscles and their tendons provide stability to the shoulder and enable a wide range of motion. The four muscles that make up the rotator cuff are:
- Supraspinatus: This muscle is primarily responsible for initiating abduction (lifting the arm away from the body).
- Infraspinatus: This muscle helps with external rotation of the arm.
- Teres Minor: This muscle also assists with external rotation and adduction (bringing the arm towards the body).
- Subscapularis: This muscle is responsible for internal rotation of the arm.
These four muscles work together to control the movement of the shoulder, providing both power and stability. Injuries to the rotator cuff are common, especially among athletes and individuals who perform repetitive overhead motions.
