ArticlesAnatomyUpper limbShoulder and armTeres major muscle

ArticlesAnatomyUpper limbShoulder and armTeres major muscle

Teres major muscle

Author: Roberto Grujičić, MD • Reviewer: Jana Vasković, MD
Last reviewed: November 03, 2023
Reading time: 4 minutes

Teres major muscle (Musculus teres major)

The teres major is a thick muscle of the shoulder joint. It spans from the inferior aspect of the scapula to the proximal part of the humeral shaft. Unlike the teres minor, the teres major muscle does not attach to the capsule of the glenohumeral joint. Thus it is not regarded as part of the rotator cuff muscles.

The main function of this muscle is to produce movements of the arm on the shoulder joint. By contracting, it pulls the humerus posteriorly (extension) and rotates it medial towards the trunk (internal rotation). Additionally, it contributes to the stabilization of the shoulder joint.

In this article, we will discuss the anatomy and function of the teres major muscle.

Key facts about the teres major muscle
Origins	Inferior angle and lower part of the lateral border of the scapula
Insertions	Intertubercular sulcus (medial lip) of the humerus
Innervation	Lower subscapular nerve (C5-C7)
Blood supply	Thoracodorsal branch of subscapular artery and posterior circumflex humeral artery
Function	Extension and internal rotation of the humerus (arm)

Contents

Origin and insertion
Relations
Innervation
Blood supply
Function
Clinical aspects
Sources

+ Show all

Origin and insertion

The teres major muscle originates from the posterior surface of the inferior angle of scapula, as well as from the lower part of the lateral border of the scapula. At its origin, the muscle is easily palpated and felt like a soft tissue structure on the inferior scapular angle.

The muscle fibers course spirally (torsion), running parallel to the fibers of the latissimus dorsi muscle. They converge onto a single tendon that inserts to the intertubercular sulcus (medial lip) of the humerus.

Relations

The posterior aspect of the scapular portion of teres major is covered by the teres minor and infraspinatus muscles. The anterior aspect of teres major is in relation with the subscapularis muscle.

The inferior margin of teres major is parallel to the superior border of the latissimus dorsi muscle. The adjoining fibers of these two muscles may be fused in some individuals. Along with the teres minor muscle, teres major forms the posterior axillary fold. Sometimes their muscle bellies or insertion tendons even blend with one another.

Test your knowledge on the teres major muscle and other muscles of the arm and shoulder with our interactive quiz!

Innervation

The innervation of the teres major muscle is supplied by the lower subscapular nerve (C5-C7) a branch of the brachial plexus.

Learn the muscles of the human body using Kenhub's muscle anatomy and reference charts!

Blood supply

The teres major muscle is vascularized by the thoracodorsal branch of the subscapular artery and the posterior circumflex humeral artery.

Function

The main function of teres major is to produce the movements of the humerus at the glenohumeral joint; it pulls the anterior surface of the humerus medially towards the trunk (internal rotation). Furthermore, it can extend the arm from the flexed position.

Along with the pectoralis major and latissimus dorsi muscles, teres major can pull the trunk superiorly (through adduction) when its humeral attachment is fixed. This is why it is also referred to as the climbing muscle. Additionally, it contributes to the stabilization of the shoulder joint.

Clinical aspects

The teres major is relatively prone to the development of trigger points. These are local, permanent hypertensive areas with rigidification (myofascial pain syndrome).

Common causes are poor stretching before physical activities, trauma (e.g. fall on the shoulder) and microtraumas through chronic inappropriate straining. Symptoms include local pain, which may radiate to the lateral shoulder during palpation and difficulties in abducting and elevating the arm.

Sources

All content published on Kenhub is reviewed by medical and anatomy experts. The information we provide is grounded on academic literature and peer-reviewed research. Kenhub does not provide medical advice. You can learn more about our content creation and review standards by reading our content quality guidelines.

References:

Moore, K. L., Dalley, A. F., & Agur, A. M. R. (2014). Clinically Oriented Anatomy (7th ed.). Philadelphia, PA: Lippincott Williams & Wilkins.
Palastanga, N., & Soames, R. (2012). Anatomy and human movement: structure and function (6th ed.). Edinburgh: Churchill Livingstone.
Standring, S. (2016). Gray's Anatomy (41st ed.). Edinburgh: Elsevier Churchill Livingstone.
Netter, F. (2014). Atlas of Human Anatomy (6th ed.). Philadelphia, PA: Saunders.

Illustrations

Teres major muscle (Musculus teres major) - Yousun Koh

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