Teres Major

Musculus teres major

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Teres major assists the latissimus dorsi in adducting, extending, and internally rotating the arm, earning it the nickname “lat’s little helper.” Though not part of the rotator cuff, it is a notable shoulder-region muscle heavily recruited in pulldowns, rows, and pull-ups. Developing it adds thickness to the upper back and improves pulling strength.

Actions

Shoulder adduction, Shoulder extension, Shoulder internal (medial) rotation

Origin

Posterior surface of the inferior angle of the scapula

Insertion

Medial lip of the intertubercular (bicipital) groove of the humerus

Innervation

Lower subscapular nerve (C5, C6)

Blood supply

Thoracodorsal artery and posterior circumflex humeral artery

Wikipedia ↗

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