Infraspinatus origin and insertion
Infraspinatus runs from the scapula to the humerus.
What are the origin and insertion of infraspinatus?
Infraspinatus arises from the infraspinous fossa. It inserts on the middle facet of the greater tubercle. Its main action is lateral rotation at the shoulder. It is supplied by the suprascapular nerve (C5, C6). The attachments, actions and nerve follow Gray (1918).
Every attachment and its bone
Origin 1
| Attachment | Bone |
|---|---|
| Infraspinous fossa | Scapula |
Insertion 1
| Attachment | Bone |
|---|---|
| Middle facet of the greater tubercle | Humerus |
Actions
| Action | What moves | Main or assisting |
|---|---|---|
| Lateral rotation | With the elbow bent, the forearm swings out | Main action |
Each action is stated in the anatomical position: standing, arms by the sides, palms forward.
Innervation
The suprascapular nerve (C5, C6).
Lifts that use infraspinatus
A prime mover produces the lift’s main joint action against the load; a synergist assists that action, or adds a secondary action the lift needs. Each role is the one the lift’s own page gives, for the technique that page states.
Synergist in 1
| Lift | What it does there |
|---|---|
| Bent-over barbell row | Turning the upper arm outward as it comes back |
It is also a stabilizer in the flat bench press, incline bench press, push-up, parallel-bar dip, standing overhead press, pull-up, chin-up and dumbbell lateral raise.
Sources
- Gray (1918), Myology, the muscles and fasciae of the shoulder
Each lift role is from that lift’s page in muscles worked by exercise, which names the sources it follows.
The values are facts and free to use; this page’s selection and presentation are © 2026 ScienceQuest.