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The teres majorExtensor / Adductor Lower shoulder blade to upper arm; pulls arm back and in. muscle is located in the posterior aspect of the upper arm and is part of the rotator cuff group of muscles.
Photography, text, and labels by Rob Swatski, Assistant Professor of Biology, Harrisburg Area Community College – York Campus, York, PA.
Origin
The teres major muscle originates from the posterior surface of the inferior angleBottom tip of scapula where medial and lateral borders meet; visible when arm is raised. of the scapulaTriangular “shoulder blade” on posterior thorax; connects clavicle and humerus.. It specifically arises from the lower part of the lateral borderEdge closest to the armpit; thicker and near the glenoid fossa..
Insertion
The muscle inserts into the intertubercular groove of the humerusLong bone of the upper arm; articulates with scapula at shoulder and radius/ulna at elbow., attaching to the medialToward the midline of the body lip of the groove. This location provides leverage for its action on the shoulder joint.
Actions
Shoulder Extension
Adduction of the Arm
Internal Rotation of the Arm
Interactive Materials
Use this 3D Viewer to Explore the Muscles of the Upper Body
“Open3DModel – Upper limb – English labels” by Open3D project, Jan Kooloos, RadboudUMC, Eungyeol Lee, LUMC et al, license: CC BY-SA
Identify More Muscles
Link to more Muscle Identification
Upper Arm Muscles
Forearm Muscles
Calf Muscles
Anterior Thigh Muscles
Posterior Thigh Muscles
Knee Structures
Chest Muscles
Back Muscles
Abdominal Muscles
Neck Muscles
Head Muscles
List of terms
- teres major
- anatomy
- inferior angle
- scapula
- lateral border
- humerus
- medial