Teres minor

Minor, not major

Teres minor belongs to the rotator cuff; teres major does not.

Both are available in this subset. Their names are not a ranking of importance, and screen size changes with camera zoom. Compare their attachment regions rather than relying on the similar names.

Sources: Arm anatomy tables

Lateral scapula to the lower greater-tubercle facet

It begins along the lateral scapular border and reaches the inferior facet of the humeral greater tubercle, below infraspinatus. The shoulder capsule also participates in its attachment.

The model does not mark a precise origin boundary or separate the capsular connection. Use the bone surfaces for regional orientation rather than measurement.

Sources: Loyola anatomy

Another external rotator

Teres minor contributes to lateral rotation of the arm and shoulder stabilization.

The source pose is fixed. Turning the camera does not raise the arm or rotate the humerus within the socket; the viewer does not simulate muscle contraction or shoulder mechanics.

Select infraspinatus to compare the two surfaces. Their shared action does not make them interchangeable, and the viewer does not calculate a combined force.

Sources: Loyola anatomy

Axillary, rather than suprascapular

The named nerve supply is the axillary nerve. This distinguishes it from the suprascapular supply of infraspinatus.

Nerves and vessels are not loaded in this subset, so the text describes connections you cannot select in the viewer.

Sources: Loyola anatomy · Arm anatomy tables

Read the model

Explore teres minor in 3D

1. Fit the small structure. Use Focus selection, then Back or Oblique. This changes the framing only; the model is not enlarged relative to its source anatomy.
2. Compare in context. Choose Show context and Fade others. Alternate between Teres minor and Infraspinatus in the list when overlapping surfaces are difficult to click.
3. Inspect the bones. Select Scapula and Humerus in turn, then return to Teres minor. Open either selected bone title to continue its guide.

Sources and editorial status

This guide uses independently written explanations with links to the evidence behind them. Source checking and specialist anatomical review are separate steps; the latter is still pending.

1. Loyola University Chicago — LUMEN, Teres minor

   Named muscle: attachments, principal action and nerve. Original educational summary; no source illustration reproduced.

2. Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center El Paso — Axilla, Posterior Shoulder, & Arm

   Four rotator-cuff rows: group membership and comparison of named attachments, actions and nerve supply. No source illustrations reproduced.

3D geometry and its separate license are credited beneath the viewer. References do not imply endorsement of this site.