Teres Major

Written by Oliver Jones

Last updated October 9, 2022 • 3 Revisions •

The teres major is an intrinsic muscle of the shoulder region.

It forms the inferior border of the quadrangular space – the space that the axillary nerve and posterior circumflex humeral artery pass through to reach the posterior scapular region.

  • Attachments: Originates from the posterior surface of the inferior angle of the scapula. It attaches to the medial lip of the intertubercular groove of the humerus.
  • Actions: Adduction, extension and medial rotation of the upper limb at the shoulder.
  • Innervation: Lower subscapular nerve.
  • Blood supply: Thoracodorsal artery, posterior circumflex humeral artery

Fig 1
The deltoid and teres major

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