Which muscles/tendons are part of the rotator cuff?

The rotator cuff is comprised of four key muscles and their associated tendons, which are integral for shoulder stability and movement. These muscles are crucial for various shoulder motions and play a significant role in maintaining the stability of the glenohumeral joint.

The infraspinatus is one of the rotator cuff muscles, primarily responsible for external rotation of the shoulder. It is situated on the posterior aspect of the scapula and plays a significant role in stabilizing the shoulder joint during arm movements.

The subscapularis is another important muscle of the rotator cuff located on the anterior side of the scapula. It is primarily responsible for internal rotation of the shoulder and contributes to joint stability by keeping the head of the humerus firmly situated within the shallow glenoid cavity.

The supraspinatus muscle is also part of the rotator cuff and is located superiorly to the shoulder joint. Its main function is to initiate abduction of the arm and assist in stabilizing the head of the humerus in the glenoid cavity.

Since all these muscles – infraspinatus, subscapularis, and supraspinatus – are part of the rotator cuff, the correct answer encompasses all of them, affirming the