SHOULDER COMPLEX

1) How the rotator cuff muscle act as a stabilizer of shoulder joint ?

- Rotator cuff is an anatomical term given to the group of 4 muscles and their tendons that act to
stabilize the shoulder.
- These muscles are supraspinatus, infraspinatus, teres minor, subscapularis and that hold the
head of humerus in glenoid cavity during movement.
- The cuff adheres to the glenohumeral capsule and attaches to the head of humerus. These keep
the humeral head in the glenoid cavity, preventing upward migration of the humeral head
caused by the pull of deltoid at the beginning of the arm elevation.
- Infraspinatus and teres minor responsible to external rotation of the arm.

2) Describe the scapulohumeral rhythm during arm abduction.

- Abduction of the glenohumeral joint is produced primarily by the supraspinatus and deltoid ms.
- Scapulothoracic rhythm also an upward rotation of scapula which is produced primarily by the
upper and lower fibers of the trapezius as well as serratus anterior.
- If scapulothoracic rhythm is properly coordinated, and individual will have approximately 120
degree of glenohumeral abduction and 60 degree of scapula upward rotation .

3) Describe the action of trapezoid and serratus anterior muscle and the interaction between these
2 muscles on shoulder motion
- Trapezius
Descending part : elevate pectoral girdles
Middle part : retracts scapula
Ascending part : depresses shoulder
Descending and ascending together : rotate shoulder upwards
Bilateral contraction : extends neck
Unilateral contraction : ipsilateral flexion of neck
Middle part : assist with ipsilateral side flex and contralateral axial rotation of upper thoracic
region

- Serratus anterior
Abducts ( protracts ) scapula
Upwardly rotates it while abducting the arm
Stabilizes scapula by holding it to chest wall

- Trapezius and serratus anterior works together as the scapula will rotate upwardly and cause
arm abduction towards elevation.