Posterior view, right side (photo credit - Paula Stacey, Fall 2008)

Posterior view, left side Posterior (superficial) view of origin, right side
Anterior view of insertion, right side

Human information:
teres major
origin:  posterior surface of the inferior
        angle of scapula on inferior third of
        scapular axillary border
insertion:  crest of lesser tubercle of
        humerus, medial to latissimus dorsi
        tendon and fused with that tendon
nerve:  lower subscapular (C5 and C6)
action:  extension, adduction, and medial
        (internal) rotation of arm

Teres major is one of the five muscles that move the arm.  It has the same action as latissimus dorsi, so Dr. J suggests that you learn these two as a group.  The above drawings of the origin and insertion might help visualize this information (red is the origin, blue the insertion).

COPYRIGHT 2008 by William C. Johnson II
ALL RIGHTS RESERVED!