Which nerve is innervated by the supraspinatus and infraspinatus?

The suprascapular nerve is responsible for innervating both the supraspinatus and infraspinatus muscles, which are critical for shoulder movement and stabilization. The supraspinatus muscle is primarily involved in the abduction of the arm, particularly during the initial 15 degrees of abduction, while the infraspinatus muscle primarily facilitates external rotation of the arm.

The origin of the suprascapular nerve is from the upper trunk of the brachial plexus (C5 and C6 nerve roots). Understanding the role of the suprascapular nerve helps illuminate its significance in shoulder mechanics and potential injury implications, such as rotator cuff tears that can lead to weakness or loss of function in the muscles it innervates.

The other nerves listed do not innervate the supraspinatus and infraspinatus. For instance, the long thoracic nerve innervates the serratus anterior muscle, which is involved in scapular protraction. The axillary nerve innervates the deltoid and teres minor muscles, primarily controlling shoulder abduction and external rotation. The dorsal scapular nerve innervates the rhomboid muscles and levator scapulae, which are responsible for