Definition

1. Noun:
   • A specific skeletal muscle of the shoulder: The musculus teres minor is one of the four rotator cuff muscles. It is a narrow, elongated muscle located on the posterior aspect of the scapula and shoulder joint.
   • Primary functions: Its main actions are to externally rotate (laterally rotate) the arm at the shoulder joint and to assist in adduction (drawing the arm toward the body).

Usage Examples

• Noun:
  • A tear in the musculus teres minor can cause significant shoulder pain and weakness.
  • During the anatomy exam, the students were required to identify the origin and insertion of the musculus teres minor.
  • Strengthening exercises for the musculus teres minor are important for shoulder stability.

Advanced Usage

• Clinical/Medical Context: The term is primarily used in medical, anatomical, kinesiology, and physical therapy contexts.
  • The MRI revealed tendinopathy in the musculus teres minor.
• In relation to other structures: It is often discussed as part of the rotator cuff musculature (along with the supraspinatus, infraspinatus, and subscapularis).
  • The musculus teres minor works in synergy with the infraspinatus to produce external rotation.

Variants and Related Words

• Teres minor: A common abbreviated form used interchangeably with "musculus teres minor." "Teres" means rounded and "minor" means smaller.
  • The teres minor originates from the lateral border of the scapula.
• Rotator cuff muscle: A categorical term describing its functional group.
• External rotator: A functional description of its primary action.

Synonyms

• Teres minor muscle: The full, synonymous anatomical term.
• Small teres muscle: A direct, descriptive translation (less common in professional use).

Related Phrases

• Teres minor tendon: Refers specifically to the tendon of this muscle, which attaches to the humerus.
  • The inflammation was localized to the teres minor tendon.
• Teres minor innervation: Refers to the nerve supply (the axillary nerve) to this muscle.
  • An injury to the axillary nerve can paralyze the teres minor innervation.

Notes

• This is a specialized anatomical term. In general conversation, it is simply called the "teres minor" or referred to as part of the "rotator cuff."
• It is distinct from the musculus teres major, a larger muscle located nearby with different functions (internal rotation and adduction).

Noun

1. teres muscle that adducts the arm and rotates it laterally