Which of the rotator cuff muscles attach to the lesser tubercle?

Which of the rotator cuff muscles attach to the lesser tubercle?

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

Answer: (C)

The muscle that attaches to the lesser tubercle is the subscapularis. The rotator cuff muscles have distinct insertion sites on the proximal humerus: the subscapularis inserts on the lesser tubercle, located on the anterior aspect of the humerus, while the other three—supraspinatus, infraspinatus, and teres minor—attach to the greater tubercle (to its upper, middle, and lower facets, respectively). This arrangement aligns with their functions: subscapularis internal rotates and stabilizes the humeral head, whereas the others contribute to abduction and external rotation.

The muscle that attaches to the lesser tubercle is the subscapularis. The rotator cuff muscles have distinct insertion sites on the proximal humerus: the subscapularis inserts on the lesser tubercle, located on the anterior aspect of the humerus, while the other three—supraspinatus, infraspinatus, and teres minor—attach to the greater tubercle (to its upper, middle, and lower facets, respectively). This arrangement aligns with their functions: subscapularis internal rotates and stabilizes the humeral head, whereas the others contribute to abduction and external rotation.