Teres Major Muscle, Anterior View

Description

Emerging from the posterior surface of the inferior angle and lateral border of the scapula, the teres major is presented from an anterior perspective as it sweeps laterally toward the proximal humerus. Its tendon courses anterior to the long head of the triceps near the medial aspect of the surgical neck, then turns to insert on the medial lip of the intertubercular sulcus (crest of the lesser tubercle), just medial to the tendon of latissimus dorsi. Superior to it lie the glenohumeral joint and humeral head, with the clavicle and anterior thoracic cage providing bony context. A thick, rounded muscle. Because teres major is often lumped into “posterior axillary fold” anatomy, an anterior view helps clarify what crosses the front of the proximal humerus and what stays posterior to the joint capsule. This relationship matters in shoulder surgery and imaging: the tendon lies close to the bicipital groove region, and differentiating it from latissimus dorsi is relevant when planning tendon transfers for irreparable posterosuperior rotator cuff tears or when interpreting anterior shoulder MRI around the intertubercular sulcus. Its line of pull explains its actions at the glenohumeral joint, adduction, extension from flexion, and internal rotation, and why it can contribute to internal rotation contracture patterns. Ideal for upper-limb gross anatomy teaching, sports medicine courseware, and publisher figures discussing glenohumeral biomechanics, posterior axillary fold palpation, or tendon transfer planning. Radiology and orthopedic references can also pair this view with axial MRI or surgical approaches to the proximal humerus to orient trainees to the teres major insertion site. Anatomical accuracy verified by SciePro's Medical Advisory Board.