Where does the teres minor originate?

Where does the teres minor originate?

• A. Medial border of scapula
• B. Inferior angle of scapula
• C. Lateral border of scapula (middle portion)
• D. Anterior surface of scapula

Answer: (C)

The key idea is where a rotator cuff muscle attaches to the scapula and how that position shapes its action. Teres minor originates from the lateral border of the scapula, specifically the middle portion, on the posterior side, and it inserts into the greater tubercle of the humerus. That placement gives it a pull that assists external rotation of the shoulder and helps stabilize the humeral head in the glenoid, working alongside the infraspinatus. The other locations don’t fit because the medial border is the inner edge of the scapula (not where teres minor attaches), the inferior angle is the origin for teres major, and the anterior surface is where subscapularis originates.

The key idea is where a rotator cuff muscle attaches to the scapula and how that position shapes its action. Teres minor originates from the lateral border of the scapula, specifically the middle portion, on the posterior side, and it inserts into the greater tubercle of the humerus. That placement gives it a pull that assists external rotation of the shoulder and helps stabilize the humeral head in the glenoid, working alongside the infraspinatus.

The other locations don’t fit because the medial border is the inner edge of the scapula (not where teres minor attaches), the inferior angle is the origin for teres major, and the anterior surface is where subscapularis originates.