Comprehensive Osteopathic Medical Licensing Examination (COMLEX USA) Practice

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Prepare for the COMLEX-USA with quizzes featuring flashcards and multiple-choice questions, each with hints and explanations. Gear up for your osteopathic medicine exam!

Each practice test/flash card set has 50 randomly selected questions from a bank of over 500. You'll get a new set of questions each time!

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Which rotator cuff muscle is responsible for shoulder joint internal rotation?

Supraspinatus
Infraspinatus
Teres minor
Subscapularis

The correct answer is: Subscapularis

The subscapularis muscle is primarily responsible for internal rotation of the shoulder joint. This muscle is located on the anterior surface of the scapula and plays a vital role in stabilizing the shoulder during arm movements. Its position allows it to produce a powerful internal rotation when the arm is raised or rotated. In contrast, the other muscles listed function differently. The supraspinatus primarily initiates shoulder abduction. The infraspinatus and teres minor are key players in shoulder external rotation. Understanding the specific roles of these muscles highlights the unique contributions of the subscapularis in internal rotation and overall shoulder joint stability.