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Glite Dictionary
infraspinatus

infraspinatus

1 9.6
A muscle on the back of the shoulder blade that turns the arm outward
  • noun
  • /ˌɪnfrəˈspaɪnətəs/
  • Specialized
: infraspinado
  • The infraspinatus muscle plays a vital role in helping to rotate the arm outward during certain movements.
  • infraspinatus and supraspinatus
  • infraspinatus and teres minor

Examples

  • During a shoulder rehabilitation program, exercises that target the infraspinatus are essential for restoring proper movement.

  • Use of the arm away from the body for reaching, lifting, or carrying (supraspinatus and infraspinatus).

    Academic text (2016)

  • The rotator cuff is composed of the tendons of the supraspinatus, subscapularis, infraspinatus, and teres minor muscles (see Figure 1).

    Academic text (2003)

  • Strengthening the infraspinatus can improve your shoulder stability and overall arm function.

Surface Forms

infraspinatus singular
infraspinati plural

Morphology

infraspinatus = infraspinous (opaque) = infra + spina + us

Built from the combining form 'infra-' (below) and the anatomical adjective 'infraspinous' (below the scapular spine); the elements are technical and 'spinous' may be unfamiliar to non-specialists.

Etymology

Infraspinatus comes from Latin parts infra- ('below') and spina ('spine' or 'ridge'). So it literally means the muscle 'below the spine' of the shoulder blade, which fits because this muscle sits under that ridge and helps turn the arm outward.