What are the muscles innervated by the suprascapular nerve?

The muscles innervated by the suprascapular nerve are the supraspinatus and infraspinatus. These two muscles are critical for shoulder movement and stability.

The supraspinatus muscle is primarily responsible for initiating arm abduction, particularly in the first 15 degrees of the movement, while the infraspinatus muscle is essential for external rotation of the shoulder. The function of these muscles is crucial to the overall biomechanics of the shoulder joint, and their proper innervation by the suprascapular nerve is vital for their activity. This nerve branches from the upper trunk of the brachial plexus and supplies these two rotator cuff muscles, contributing significantly to shoulder strength and stability during various arm movements.

This understanding underscores the importance of the suprascapular nerve in shoulder function and highlights the key role of the supraspinatus and infraspinatus in maintaining shoulder mechanics.