Musculus teres minor
The teres minor is a small muscle on the lateral scapula. It originates from the caudal border of the scapula (distal third) and the infraspinatus fascia and inserts on the teres minor tuberosity on the lateral humerus. Its actions are to flex the shoulder and laterally rotate the humerus. It is innervated by the axillary nerve (roughly C6-C7). It works with the infraspinatus as a lateral shoulder stabilizer.
Origin: Caudal border of the scapula (distal third) and infraspinatus fascia
Insertion: Teres minor tuberosity on the lateral humerus
Action: Flexes the shoulder; laterally rotates the humerus
Innervation: Axillary nerve (C6-C7)
Isolated injury is uncommon. Relevant in evaluations of lateral shoulder stability.
## Overview Shoulder stabilizer strain involves the muscles that control the shoulder during lateral movement. It produces subtle forelimb lameness on turns, pain on deep palpation of the lateral sho
Not a structure of primary practical concern for owners under normal circumstances.
## Overview Shoulder stabilizer strain involves the muscles that control the shoulder during lateral movement. It produces subtle forelimb lameness on turns, pain on deep palpation of the lateral shoulder, and reluctance to perform lateral movements toward the affected side. ## Causes Lateral forces during turns, lateral work, or slipping. ## Diagnosis Palpation and gait evaluation on circles. ## Treatment Rest and gradual return to lateral work. ## Recovery and Prognosis Good. ## Prevention Progressive training of lateral movements. Signs include: subtle forelimb lameness on turns; pain on deep lateral shoulder palpation; reluctance to perform lateral movements to the affected side
Isolated injury is uncommon. Relevant in evaluations of lateral shoulder stability.
Not a structure of primary practical concern for owners under normal circumstances.
See the Teres Minor on our interactive 3D horse model. Open 3D Model