Teres Major is a muscle located in the upper arm. The spelling of this word may seem tricky, but can be explained through IPA phonetic transcription as /tɛrɪz ˈmeɪdʒər/. The "e" in "teres" is pronounced like "eh" and the "a" in "major" is pronounced like "ay". The emphasis is on the second syllable of "teres" and the first syllable of "major". Being familiar with IPA can help with proper pronunciation and spelling of terms like "teres major" in medical contexts.
Teres Major is a term used in anatomy to refer to a specific muscle that is located in the upper body. It is categorized as a skeletal muscle and is part of the shoulder or upper limb region. The teres major muscle is positioned on the posterior or back side of the upper arm, originating from the posterior surface of the inferior angle of the scapula or shoulder blade.
This muscle is shaped like a long, narrow band and extends downward to connect to the humerus bone in the arm. It is commonly referred to as the "little lat" due to its proximity and similar function to the larger latissimus dorsi muscle.
The primary function of the teres major muscle is to facilitate movements in the shoulder joint, particularly those involving rotation and adduction. It works in conjunction with other muscles in the upper limb, such as the latissimus dorsi and deltoid, to perform tasks like pulling or rowing movements, throwing, and even reaching or lifting objects.
In terms of innervation, the teres major muscle is supplied by the lower subscapular nerve, which arises from the posterior cord of the brachial plexus. This nerve provides the necessary motor signals for the muscle to contract and carry out its designated movements.
Understanding the role and function of the teres major muscle is essential in fields like anatomy, kinesiology, physical therapy, and sports science, as it plays a significant part in various upper body movements and exercises.
The word Teres Major has its etymology rooted in Latin. Teres derives from the Latin word terere, meaning to rub, round, or wear away, which in this context refers to the muscle's rounded shape. Major comes from the Latin word major, meaning larger or greater, distinguishing it from the smaller muscle known as teres minor.