What is the distal attachment of the supraspinatus muscle?

The supraspinatus muscle is primarily responsible for the initiation of shoulder abduction and stabilizing the shoulder joint. Its distal attachment, which is where the muscle connects to the bone, is located at the greater tubercle of the humerus. This anatomical feature is significant because the greater tubercle serves as a critical site for the attachment of several rotator cuff muscles, which play an essential role in shoulder mobility and stability.

The greater tubercle's prominence allows the supraspinatus to effectively facilitate its function during movements such as lifting the arm away from the body. In contrast, the inferior angle of the scapula, the deltoid tuberosity of the humerus, and the medial lip of the intertubercular groove do not serve as attachment points for the supraspinatus, making them irrelevant in this context. Thus, identifying the greater tubercle as the distal attachment underscores the role of the supraspinatus within the broader context of shoulder mechanics and rotator cuff functionality.