supraspinatus

Introduction

Intrinsic (scapulohumeral) muscle of the shoulder, a tendon of which contributes to the rotator cuff.

Origin

supraspinous fossa of scapula

Insertion

greater tuberosity of humerus

Action

• initiates abduction of arm
• its tonic contraction helps hold the head of the humerus in the shallow glenoid fossa

Innervation

suprascapular nerve (C5, C6)

More general terms

• skeletal muscle (voluntary muscle)