Subscapularis is a muscle in the shoulder that helps to internally rotate the humerus bone. The spelling of the word subscapularis originates from Latin, where "sub" means under, and "scapula" means shoulder blade. The pronunciation of subscapularis is /sʌbskæpjʊˈlɛərɪs/, with the stress on the third syllable. The sound /sj/ represented by "sc" and the sound /ɛə/ represented by "ar" are common sounds in medical terminology. Mastering phonetic transcriptions can help medical professionals communicate more effectively and reduce errors.
The subscapularis is a muscle located in the upper limb, specifically in the shoulder region. It is one of the four muscles that make up the rotator cuff, along with the supraspinatus, infraspinatus, and teres minor muscles. The subscapularis muscle is found on the anterior surface of the scapula, originating from the subscapular fossa and attaching to the lesser tubercle of the humerus.
The primary function of the subscapularis muscle is to medially rotate and adduct the arm at the shoulder joint. It plays a crucial role in the dynamic stability and overall movement of the shoulder. Additionally, this muscle assists in the stabilization of the humeral head within the glenoid cavity during overhead activities and arm movements.
In terms of clinical importance, the subscapularis muscle is susceptible to various injuries and conditions, such as tears, strains, and tendinitis. These can occur due to trauma, overuse, repetitive motions, or underlying inflammatory diseases. Injuries to the subscapularis can result in pain, weakness, limited range of motion, and difficulties in performing daily activities that involve arm movement.
Management of subscapularis injuries typically involves a combination of conservative measures, such as rest, physical therapy, anti-inflammatory medications, and in more severe cases, surgical intervention may be required. Early diagnosis and appropriate treatment are vital for timely recovery and prevention of complications.
See under musculus.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
The word subscapularis has its etymology rooted in Latin. It is a combination of two Latin words: sub meaning below or beneath, and scapula meaning shoulder blade. Therefore, subscapularis literally translates to below the shoulder blade.