Teres

Definition

The teres is a skeletal muscle located in the shoulder region. It is responsible for several important functions related to the movement and stability of the shoulder joint.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The teres is divided into two distinct muscles: the teres major and the teres minor.
2. The teres major originates on the dorsal surface of the scapula and inserts on the medial lip of the intertubercular sulcus of the humerus.
3. The teres minor originates on the lateral border of the scapula and inserts on the greater tubercle of the humerus.
4. The teres major is responsible for adduction, medial rotation, and extension of the humerus, while the teres minor is responsible for lateral rotation and abduction of the humerus.
5. Both the teres major and teres minor play important roles in stabilizing the shoulder joint and facilitating complex movements of the upper limb.

Review Questions

• Describe the anatomical locations and attachments of the teres major and teres minor muscles.
  • The teres major and teres minor are both located in the posterior shoulder region. The teres major originates on the dorsal surface of the scapula and inserts on the medial lip of the intertubercular sulcus of the humerus. The teres minor originates on the lateral border of the scapula and inserts on the greater tubercle of the humerus. These attachments allow the teres major to adduct, medially rotate, and extend the humerus, while the teres minor facilitates lateral rotation and abduction of the humerus.
• Explain the functional roles of the teres major and teres minor muscles in shoulder joint movement and stability.
  • The teres major and teres minor play crucial roles in the movement and stability of the shoulder joint. The teres major is responsible for adducting, medially rotating, and extending the humerus, which is important for various upper limb movements and activities. The teres minor, on the other hand, is responsible for laterally rotating and abducting the humerus, providing stability and range of motion to the shoulder joint. Together, these two muscles work synergistically to facilitate complex shoulder movements and maintain the integrity of the shoulder joint.
• Analyze the significance of the teres muscles in the context of 11.2 Naming Skeletal Muscles and their potential impact on clinical conditions related to the shoulder.
  • In the context of 11.2 Naming Skeletal Muscles, the teres major and teres minor are important examples of how the naming conventions for skeletal muscles can provide valuable information about their location, attachments, and functions. The inclusion of the term 'teres' in their names indicates that these muscles are cylindrical or rounded in shape, which is a characteristic feature that can aid in their identification and clinical assessment. Additionally, understanding the specific roles of the teres major and teres minor in shoulder joint movement and stability is crucial for the diagnosis and treatment of shoulder-related conditions, such as rotator cuff injuries, impingement syndromes, and shoulder instability.

Related terms

Teres Major: A muscle located in the posterior shoulder that assists in adduction, medial rotation, and extension of the humerus.

Teres Minor: A muscle located in the posterior shoulder that assists in lateral rotation and abduction of the humerus.

Scapula:

The flat, triangular bone that forms the posterior part of the shoulder girdle and provides attachment points for several muscles, including the teres.