Which muscles are supplied by the suprascapular nerve?

Which muscles are supplied by the suprascapular nerve?

• A. Deltoid
• B. Supraspinatus and Infraspinatus
• C. Teres minor
• D. Subscapularis

Answer: (B)

The main idea is which nerves supply the rotator cuff muscles. The suprascapular nerve innervates two muscles: supraspinatus and infraspinatus. It comes from the brachial plexus (primarily C5–C6), travels through the suprascapular notch, and gives motor branches to these two muscles. Supraspinatus starts the arm’s abduction, while infraspinatus provides external rotation. The other options are innervated by different nerves: the deltoid and teres minor by the axillary nerve, and the subscapularis by the upper and lower subscapular nerves from the posterior cord. Clinically, weakness in these nerves can show up as problems with initiating abduction and external rotation, with some shoulder joint innervation preserved.

The main idea is which nerves supply the rotator cuff muscles. The suprascapular nerve innervates two muscles: supraspinatus and infraspinatus. It comes from the brachial plexus (primarily C5–C6), travels through the suprascapular notch, and gives motor branches to these two muscles. Supraspinatus starts the arm’s abduction, while infraspinatus provides external rotation. The other options are innervated by different nerves: the deltoid and teres minor by the axillary nerve, and the subscapularis by the upper and lower subscapular nerves from the posterior cord. Clinically, weakness in these nerves can show up as problems with initiating abduction and external rotation, with some shoulder joint innervation preserved.