The muscles that compose the rotator cuff include which of the following?

The correct answer identifies the four muscles that make up the rotator cuff, which are essential for shoulder stability and movement. These muscles are the supraspinatus, infraspinatus, teres minor, and subscapularis.

The supraspinatus is responsible for initiating arm abduction and stabilizing the shoulder joint. The infraspinatus primarily facilitates external rotation of the shoulder and plays a crucial role in maintaining shoulder stability. The teres minor also assists with external rotation and contributes to stability of the joint. Lastly, the subscapularis is involved in internal rotation of the shoulder and provides support to the joint by preventing dislocation.

Understanding the function of these muscles and their anatomical location is vital for effective surgical intervention and patient care in clinical settings. This includes knowledge that informs preoperative assessments and postoperative rehabilitation strategies for patients undergoing shoulder procedures.

In contrast, the other options include muscle groups that do not contribute to the rotator cuff: the deltoid, teres major, and pectoralis major primarily work in arm movement rather than rotator cuff stability; rhomboids and trapezius are involved in scapular motion, and serratus anterior aids in scapular protraction, but none of