Teres major (Musculus teres major)
Educational content only — not medical advice.
Anatomy
A thick muscle passing from the inferior angle of the scapula to the medial lip of the intertubercular groove; with latissimus dorsi it forms the posterior axillary fold. Despite neighbouring teres minor, it is NOT a rotator-cuff muscle.
Origin & insertion
Posterior surface of the inferior angle of the scapula and the adjacent lower border. Medial lip of the intertubercular groove of the humerus.
Action
Adducts, medially rotates and extends the arm, assisting latissimus dorsi — nicknamed "the little helper of latissimus dorsi".
Innervation
Lower subscapular nerve (C5–C7).
Clinical notes
Its lower border with latissimus dorsi is a surgical landmark: the triangular space above it, bounded by teres minor and triceps long head, transmits the scapular circumflex artery; chronic strain irritates its insertion on the lateral border.
Related structures
Educational references
FAQ
What is the role of the Teres major?
A thick muscle passing from the inferior angle of the scapula to the medial lip of the intertubercular groove; with latissimus dorsi it forms the posterior axillary fold. Despite neighbouring teres minor, it is NOT a rotator-cuff muscle.
Why is the Teres major clinically important?
Its lower border with latissimus dorsi is a surgical landmark: the triangular space above it, bounded by teres minor and triceps long head, transmits the scapular circumflex artery; chronic strain irritates its insertion on the lateral border.
Source & license
BodyParts3D, © The Database Center for Life Science licensed under CC Attribution 4.0 International (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/). license details