Rotator cuff

Definition

The rotator cuff is a group of four muscles and their tendons that stabilize the shoulder joint by holding the head of the humerus firmly within the shallow socket of the scapula. These muscles work together to allow a wide range of motion in the arm, including lifting and rotating.

Related terms

Tendons: Tendons are tough, flexible bands of fibrous tissue that connect muscles to bones, facilitating movement at joints.

Shoulder Joint: The shoulder joint is a ball-and-socket joint formed between the head of the humerus (upper arm bone) and the glenoid fossa of the scapula (shoulder blade), allowing for a wide range of motion.

Humeral head: The humeral head is the ball-like upper end of the humerus that fits into the shallow socket on the scapula to form part of the shoulder joint