Which muscle originates from the supraspinous fossa of the scapula?

• A. Supraspinatus
• B. Infraspinatus
• C. Subscapularis
• D. Teres minor

Answer: (A)

The main idea is matching a muscle’s origin to its scapular site. The supraspinous fossa is the hollow on the posterior surface of the scapula above the spine, and the muscle that starts there is the supraspinatus. It travels under the acromion to attach to the greater tubercle of the humerus and helps initiate arm lifting (the first ~15 degrees of abduction) while also helping stabilize the shoulder joint as part of the rotator cuff.

The other muscles come from different areas: the infraspinatus originates from the infraspinous fossa (below the spine) and assists with external rotation; the subscapularis comes from the subscapular fossa (anterior surface) and medially rotates the arm; the teres minor originates from the lateral border of the scapula and also aids in external rotation.