Also called: subscapularis muscle
The subscapularis is the largest rotator cuff muscle and lies on the front of the scapula. It arises from the subscapular fossa and inserts on the lesser tubercle of the humerus. The upper and lower subscapular nerves supply it, and it medially rotates the arm and stabilises the shoulder against forward dislocation.
| Origin | Subscapular fossa on the costal surface of the scapula. |
|---|---|
| Insertion | Lesser tubercle of the humerus. |
| Innervation | Upper and lower subscapular nerves (C5-C7). |
| Blood supply | Subscapular artery and dorsal scapular artery branches. |
| Action | Medially rotates the arm; stabilises the humeral head anteriorly. |
3D model: BodyParts3D (CC BY 4.0), adult male reference anatomy. Highlighted structure shown with nearby bones for context.
The subscapularis forms part of the posterior wall of the axilla. Its tendon passes in front of the shoulder joint and is separated from the scapular neck by the subscapular bursa.
It is the only rotator cuff muscle on the anterior surface of the scapula.
It medially rotates the arm and helps hold the head of the humerus in the socket.
On the lesser tubercle of the humerus.
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