The Detailed Posterior Anatomical Structure of the Male Supraspinatus Muscle

Description

Posteriorly, the supraspinatus occupies the supraspinous fossa of the scapula, its muscle belly lying superior to the scapular spine and deep to the trapezius. Laterally, the fibers converge toward a tendon that passes beneath the acromion and coracoacromial ligament, heading for the superior facet of the greater tubercle of the humerus. Medially, the origin hugs the supraspinous fossa and adjacent scapular spine, while inferiorly the supraspinatus sits directly above the infraspinatus across the scapular spine. A compact muscle with outsized clinical consequence. Rotator cuff disease often starts here, because the supraspinatus tendon traverses the subacromial space where friction and compression contribute to tendinopathy and partial thickness tears on the articular or bursal surface. This posterior orientation helps clarify why patients can retain passive range of motion yet struggle with active abduction, and it frames the mechanics of the empty can and drop arm tests. It also supports teaching around the subacromial bursa and the relationship of acromial morphology to impingement and postoperative decompression. Use this asset in shoulder anatomy and kinesiology modules to link scapular topography to cuff function, or in orthopedics and sports medicine teaching files covering supraspinatus tendinopathy, calcific deposits, and full thickness tears. It also fits surgical education materials on arthroscopic cuff repair and subacromial bursectomy, where orientation to the scapular spine and acromion speeds intraoperative navigation. Anatomical accuracy verified by SciePro's Medical Advisory Board.