The axillary nerve innervates which rotator cuff muscle?

The axillary nerve innervates which rotator cuff muscle?

• A. Supraspinatus
• B. Infraspinatus
• C. Teres Minor
• D. Subscapularis

Answer: (C)

Teres minor is innervated by the axillary nerve, which is why this muscle is the correct pick. Among the rotator cuff muscles, the innervation patterns are distinct: supraspinatus and infraspinatus receive the suprascapular nerve, while subscapularis is supplied by the upper and lower subscapular nerves. Teres minor sits under the deltoid and helps with external rotation and humeral head stabilization, so its nerve supply specifically comes from the axillary nerve. Clinically, loss of axillary nerve function can weaken external rotation and affect shoulder abduction due to simultaneous deltoid involvement, highlighting this nerve–muscle pairing.

Teres minor is innervated by the axillary nerve, which is why this muscle is the correct pick. Among the rotator cuff muscles, the innervation patterns are distinct: supraspinatus and infraspinatus receive the suprascapular nerve, while subscapularis is supplied by the upper and lower subscapular nerves. Teres minor sits under the deltoid and helps with external rotation and humeral head stabilization, so its nerve supply specifically comes from the axillary nerve. Clinically, loss of axillary nerve function can weaken external rotation and affect shoulder abduction due to simultaneous deltoid involvement, highlighting this nerve–muscle pairing.