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Subscapular muscle
Medical expert of the article
Last reviewed: 07.07.2025
The subscapularis muscle (m. subscapularis) is wide, thick, triangular in shape. It occupies almost the entire costal surface of the scapula. It has a fleshy origin on the surface of the subscapular fossa and the lateral edge of the scapula. It is attached by a flat tendon to the lesser tubercle and the crest of the lesser tubercle of the humerus. At the point of attachment between the tendon and the capsule of the shoulder joint, there is a subtendinous bursa of the subscapularis muscle, which usually communicates with the cavity of the shoulder joint.
Function of the subscapularis muscle: rotates the shoulder inward (pronation), while simultaneously bringing the shoulder toward the torso.
Innervation of the subscapularis muscle: subscapular nerve (CV-CVII).
Blood supply of the subscapularis muscle: subscapular artery.
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