Which muscle inserts on the lesser tubercle?

Which muscle inserts on the lesser tubercle?

• A. Subscapularis
• B. Infraspinatus
• C. Teres minor
• D. Supraspinatus

Answer: (A)

The muscle that inserts on the lesser tubercle is the subscapularis. Its tendon attaches to the lesser tubercle on the anterior humerus, which places it as the primary anterior rotator of the arm and a strong stabilizer of the shoulder joint. In contrast, the other rotator cuff muscles attach to the greater tubercle (supraspinatus to the superior facet, infraspinatus to the middle facet, and teres minor to the inferior facet) and mainly contribute to abduction and external rotation. So, when you see the lesser tubercle as the insertion site, think subscapularis and its role in medially rotating and stabilizing the shoulder.

The muscle that inserts on the lesser tubercle is the subscapularis. Its tendon attaches to the lesser tubercle on the anterior humerus, which places it as the primary anterior rotator of the arm and a strong stabilizer of the shoulder joint. In contrast, the other rotator cuff muscles attach to the greater tubercle (supraspinatus to the superior facet, infraspinatus to the middle facet, and teres minor to the inferior facet) and mainly contribute to abduction and external rotation. So, when you see the lesser tubercle as the insertion site, think subscapularis and its role in medially rotating and stabilizing the shoulder.