Supraspinatus Muscle, Posterior View

Description

Posterior shoulder anatomy is centered on the scapulae flanking the thoracic spinous processes and rib cage, with the supraspinatus occupying the supraspinous fossa superior to the scapular spine. Its muscle belly lies deep to the trapezius footprint and courses laterally beneath the acromion toward the superior facet of the greater tubercle of the humerus, just proximal to the glenohumeral joint. The humeral heads sit lateral to each scapula, and adjacent rotator cuff and shoulder contour cues, including infraspinatus inferior to the scapular spine and the posterior deltoid over the lateral shoulder, help orient the viewer. Clean landmarks. Clinical teaching often starts with where the supraspinatus runs: across the superior scapula, under the coracoacromial arch, then into the tendon that blends with the superior glenohumeral capsule. That tunnel is where impingement concentrates and where partial thickness articular sided tears often begin, and the posterior perspective clarifies why subacromial morphology and scapular upward rotation affect symptoms during abduction. It also frames the relationship surgeons use in arthroscopy and open repair, where the supraspinatus footprint on the greater tubercle is referenced against the bicipital groove and the posterosuperior cuff. Ideal for musculoskeletal anatomy and kinesiology modules on scapulohumeral rhythm, for radiology teaching that correlates rotator cuff insertions with MRI oblique coronal views, and for orthopaedic or sports medicine materials explaining painful arc syndrome and cuff repair positioning. Anatomical accuracy verified by SciePro's Medical Advisory Board.