Teres Minor - Podcast Version 0:00 / 0:00 1x 0.25x 0.5x 0.75x 1x 1.25x 1.5x 1.75x 2x The teres minor is an intrinsic muscle of the shoulder region. It is part of the rotator cuff muscle group. Attachments: Originates from the posterior surface of the scapula, adjacent to its lateral border. It attaches to the greater tubercle of the humerus. Actions: Lateral rotation of the arm. Innervation: Axillary nerve. Blood supply: Circumflex scapular artery and the posterior circumflex humeral artery. By TeachMeSeries Ltd (2026) Fig 1The rotator cuff muscles, which act to stabilise the shoulder joint. Pro Feature - 3D Model You've Discovered a Pro Feature Access our 3D Model Library Explore, cut, dissect, annotate and manipulate our 3D models to visualise anatomy in a dynamic, interactive way. Learn More Frequent questions What is the teres minor muscle? The teres minor is an intrinsic muscle located in the shoulder region and is a member of the rotator cuff muscle group. It plays a crucial role in stabilising the shoulder joint. Where does the teres minor muscle originate and insert? The teres minor originates from the posterior surface of the scapula, near its lateral border, and inserts at the greater tubercle of the humerus. This positioning is vital for its function in arm movement. What is the primary action of the teres minor? The primary action of the teres minor is the lateral rotation of the arm. This movement is essential for various shoulder activities and contributes to overall shoulder stability. Which nerve innervates the teres minor muscle? The teres minor is innervated by the axillary nerve. This nerve is crucial for the muscle's function and the sensation in the surrounding area. What is the blood supply of the teres minor? The teres minor receives its blood supply from the circumflex scapular artery and the posterior circumflex humeral artery. Adequate blood flow is important for muscle health and function. Rate This Article