
The rotator cuff is a group of four muscles that provide strength and stability to the shoulder complex. The muscles are called SITS, an acronym formed from the first letter of each muscle's name: supraspinatus, infraspinatus, teres minor, and subscapularis. These muscles are essential for almost every type of shoulder movement, and if one or more is injured, it can cause pain and trouble using the shoulder.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Name | Rotator Cuff |
| Other Name | SITS (first letter of each muscle name) |
| Muscles | Supraspinatus, Infraspinatus, Teres Minor, Subscapularis |
| Function | Provide strength and stability during motion to the shoulder complex |
| Origin | Muscles arise from the scapula |
| Connects To | Head of the humerus |
| Forms | Cuff around the glenohumeral (GH) joint |
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What You'll Learn
- The rotator cuff is a group of four muscles and tendons that provide strength and stability to the shoulder complex
- The four muscles that make up the rotator cuff are supraspinatus, infraspinatus, teres minor, and subscapularis
- The rotator cuff is essential for almost every type of shoulder movement
- If one or more of the rotator cuff muscles are injured, it can cause pain and trouble using the shoulder
- The supraspinatus muscle originates above the spine of the shoulder blade and inserts on the greater tuberosity of the humerus

The rotator cuff is a group of four muscles and tendons that provide strength and stability to the shoulder complex
The rotator cuff muscles arise from the scapula and connect to the head of the humerus, forming a cuff around the glenohumeral (GH) joint. The supraspinatus muscle originates above the spine of the shoulder blade and inserts on the greater tuberosity of the humerus. The infraspinatus muscle originates below the spine of the scapula in the infraspinatus fossa and inserts on the posterior aspect of the greater tuberosity of the humerus. The teres minor and subscapularis muscles also have distinct origins and insertions that contribute to the overall function of the rotator cuff.
The main function of the rotator cuff is to stabilise and centre the humeral head in the joint socket, the glenoid cavity. Additionally, these muscles tighten the joint capsule, preventing a pinch during shoulder movements. Balanced strength and flexibility in each of the four muscles are vital to maintain the functioning of the entire shoulder girdle.
If one or more of these muscles are injured, it can cause pain and trouble using the shoulder. Shoulder rehab may be necessary to heal from a rotator cuff injury and prevent future problems. There are also preventative measures that can be taken to protect the shoulder muscles and keep them healthy.
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The four muscles that make up the rotator cuff are supraspinatus, infraspinatus, teres minor, and subscapularis
The rotator cuff is a group of four distinct muscles and their tendons, which provide strength and stability during motion to the shoulder complex. These muscles are also referred to as the SITS muscles, with each letter of the acronym standing for the name of each muscle: supraspinatus, infraspinatus, teres minor, and subscapularis. The muscles arise from the scapula and connect to the head of the humerus, forming a cuff around the glenohumeral (GH) joint. The main function of the rotator cuff is to stabilise and centre the humeral head in the joint socket, the glenoid cavity. In addition, the muscles tighten the joint capsule, preventing a pinch during shoulder movements.
The supraspinatus muscle originates above the spine of the shoulder blade and inserts on the greater tuberosity of the humerus. The infraspinatus muscle originates below the spine of the scapula in the infraspinatus fossa. It inserts on the posterior aspect of the greater tuberosity (the part of the bone that attaches to the corresponding muscle) of the humerus.
The rotator cuff muscles are essential players in almost every type of shoulder movement. Balanced strength and flexibility in each of the four muscles are vital to maintain functioning of the entire shoulder girdle. If one or more of these muscles is injured, it can cause pain and trouble using your shoulder.
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The rotator cuff is essential for almost every type of shoulder movement
The rotator cuff is a group of four distinct muscles and their tendons: supraspinatus, infraspinatus, teres minor, and subscapularis. These muscles are also referred to as the SITS muscles, with each letter corresponding to the first letter of each muscle's name. The rotator cuff muscles arise from the scapula and connect to the head of the humerus, forming a cuff around the glenohumeral joint. This cuff is essential for almost every type of shoulder movement.
The supraspinatus muscle originates above the spine of the shoulder blade and inserts on the greater tuberosity of the humerus. The infraspinatus muscle originates below the spine of the scapula in the infraspinatus fossa and inserts on the posterior aspect of the greater tuberosity of the humerus. The teres minor and subscapularis muscles also play important roles in the health and function of the shoulder.
Together, these four muscles provide strength and stability to the shoulder complex. They are essential for a variety of upper extremity movements, including flexion, abduction, internal rotation, and external rotation. Balanced strength and flexibility in each of these muscles are vital to maintain the functioning of the entire shoulder girdle.
If one or more of the rotator cuff muscles are injured, it can cause pain and trouble using the shoulder. Shoulder rehab may be necessary to heal from a rotator cuff injury and prevent future problems. There are also ways to protect the shoulder muscles and keep them healthy to reduce the chances of injury.
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If one or more of the rotator cuff muscles are injured, it can cause pain and trouble using the shoulder
The rotator cuff is a group of four muscles and their tendons that provide strength and stability to the shoulder complex. These muscles are referred to as the SITS muscles, which stands for supraspinatus, infraspinatus, teres minor, and subscapularis.
There are ways to protect the shoulder muscles and keep them healthy to reduce the chances of injury. For example, strengthening the muscles that support the shoulder can relieve pain and prevent further injury. Rest and avoiding physical activities can also help the rotator cuff heal.
Shoulder rehab may be necessary to heal from a rotator cuff injury and prevent future problems.
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The supraspinatus muscle originates above the spine of the shoulder blade and inserts on the greater tuberosity of the humerus
The SITS muscles are a group of four distinct muscles and their tendons, which provide strength and stability during motion to the shoulder complex. The acronym SITS stands for supraspinatus, infraspinatus, teres minor, and subscapularis. The supraspinatus muscle originates above the spine of the shoulder blade and inserts on the greater tuberosity of the humerus. This muscle is essential for the health and function of the shoulder. If it is injured, it can cause pain and trouble using the shoulder.
The supraspinatus muscle is one of the four muscles that make up the rotator cuff. The rotator cuff is a group of muscles and tendons that provide strength and stability to the shoulder complex. The muscles arise from the scapula and connect to the head of the humerus, forming a cuff around the glenohumeral joint. The supraspinatus muscle specifically originates above the spine of the shoulder blade and inserts on the greater tuberosity of the humerus. This means that it attaches to the bone at a specific point, known as the greater tuberosity, which is located on the humerus bone.
The supraspinatus muscle is important for shoulder health and function. It helps to stabilise and centre the humeral head in the joint socket, the glenoid cavity. This muscle also tightens the joint capsule, preventing a pinch during shoulder movements. As such, it plays a crucial role in allowing for a full range of motion in the shoulder.
If the supraspinatus muscle is injured, it can cause pain and difficulty in using the shoulder. This can impact various upper extremity movements, including flexion, abduction, internal rotation, and external rotation. Therefore, it is important to keep the shoulder muscles healthy and balanced to reduce the chances of injury.
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Frequently asked questions
SITS stands for supraspinatus, infraspinatus, teres minor, and subscapularis.
The SITS muscles are located in the shoulder. They arise from the scapula and connect to the head of the humerus.
The SITS muscles are essential for shoulder movement. They provide strength and stability to the shoulder complex and help to centre the humeral head in the joint socket.











































