What muscles are involved in holding the humeral head in the glenoid cavity?

The muscles involved in holding the humeral head in the glenoid cavity are primarily the rotator cuff muscles, which play a critical role in stabilizing the shoulder joint. Among these, the supraspinatus and infraspinatus are particularly important.

The supraspinatus is responsible for initiating shoulder abduction and also helps stabilize the humeral head by pulling it up against the glenoid cavity during arm movements. The infraspinatus contributes to the stabilization of the humerus within the glenoid by exerting a counterbalancing force. Together, these two muscles work to maintain the proper positioning of the humeral head, preventing dislocation and enabling a wide range of shoulder movements.

In contrast, while the deltoid and pectoralis major play significant roles in shoulder movement and strength, they are not primarily responsible for the stabilization of the humeral head in the glenoid cavity. The teres minor and subscapularis are also part of the rotator cuff group, but in this specific scenario, the combination of the supraspinatus and infraspinatus is pivotal for the stability of the humeral head during movement. Hence, the selection of supraspinatus and infraspinatus reflects an understanding of