Teres Minor Muscle – Anatomy Breakdown Video & Clinical Guide
The Teres Minor is one of the four rotator cuff muscles, often overshadowed by its bigger neighbors but essential for shoulder stability and control. In this video, we’ll break down its origin, insertion, function, innervation, and clinical relevance. Whether you're a student, clinician, trainer, or just anatomy-curious, this page will give you clear, practical insights.
Watch the full video below and read on for more detail.
Quick Hits
The Teres Minor is a narrow, elongated muscle that sits on the posterior aspect of the scapula, just below the infraspinatus. It works as part of the rotator cuff to stabilize the shoulder joint.
Origin: Lateral border of the scapula (upper two-thirds).
Insertion: Inferior facet of the greater tubercle of the humerus.
Innervation: Axillary nerve (C5, C6).
Actions: External rotation of the glenohumeral joint and stabilization of the humeral head in the glenoid fossa.
The Teres Minor works closely with the infraspinatus, often considered functionally inseparable in external rotation control.
Clinical Relevance
Clinically, the Teres Minor plays a crucial role in shoulder stability, especially in overhead athletes who rely on strong and coordinated external rotation to protect the joint.
It can be overlooked in assessment if focus is solely on the larger infraspinatus, but selective weakness or atrophy (e.g., in quadrilateral space syndrome where the axillary nerve is compressed) can limit external rotation strength and lead to compensations.
Rehab often targets it with a variety of external rotation exercises, banded ER at various rangers from 0 to 90°, and integrated scapular stabilization. Assessment should include palpation, resisted ER testing, and consideration of axillary nerve integrity.
What’s Next
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