Which nerve innervates the teres major muscle?

The teres major muscle is innervated by the lower subscapular nerve. This nerve arises from the posterior cord of the brachial plexus and is responsible for providing motor innervation to the teres major, which plays a critical role in shoulder movements, specifically in adduction and internal rotation of the arm.

Understanding the function of the teres major and its innervation is crucial in anatomy and clinical applications, especially in the context of shoulder injuries and surgeries. The lower subscapular nerve not only innervates the teres major but also has connections to the subscapularis muscle, which further highlights its importance in shoulder stability and movement coordination. This anatomical relationship is essential for comprehension in studies of upper limb function and rehabilitation practices.