Muscles of rotator cuff are all EXCEPT:
**Core Concept:** The rotator cuff is a group of muscles and tendons that stabilize and move the humeral head within the glenohumeral joint. The muscles involved in the rotator cuff are essential for shoulder functioning. They include Supraspinatus, Infraspinatus, Teres minor, and Subscapularis muscles.
**Why the Correct Answer is Right:** The correct answer is "D." The deltoid muscle is not part of the rotator cuff because it is a separate, adjacent muscle that originates from the scapula and inserts onto the humerus, primarily responsible for shoulder abduction and external rotation. The deltoid muscle does not directly stabilize or move the humeral head within the glenohumeral joint like the rotator cuff muscles do.
**Why Each Wrong Option is Incorrect:**
A. **Supraspinatus:** This muscle does play a significant role in stabilizing the humeral head within the glenohumeral joint and is part of the rotator cuff.
B. **Infraspinatus:** Similar to supraspinatus, this muscle is also a part of the rotator cuff and is crucial for stabilizing the humeral head.
C. **Teres minor:** This muscle contributes to the rotator cuff's function of stabilizing and moving the humeral head within the glenohumeral joint.
**Clinical Pearl:** The rotator cuff muscles' combined actions are essential for maintaining the humeral head's stability within the glenohumeral joint, allowing for a wide range of shoulder movements and preventing excessive glenohumeral joint dislocation. Understanding the anatomy and function of these muscles is crucial for diagnosing and treating shoulder disorders.
**Correct Answer:** .