Supraspinatus

Definition

The supraspinatus is a small muscle located in the upper back, part of the rotator cuff that helps with the abduction (lifting away) of the arm at the shoulder joint. It sits above the spine of the scapula and inserts into the head of the humerus.

Related terms

Rotator Cuff: A group of four muscles, including the supraspinatus, that stabilize and move the shoulder joint.

Abduction: A movement that involves moving a limb away from the midline of the body, like raising your arm to wave.

Scapula: A flat triangular bone located in the upper back on each side of the vertebral column, serving as an anchor point for several muscles including those of the rotator cuff