American Board of Surgical Assistants (ABSA) Orthopedic Practice Test

Which tendons are involved in the formation of the rotator cuff?

1. Supraspinatus, Infraspinatus, Teres minor

2. Subscapularis, Trapezius, Deltoid

3. Biceps brachii, Triceps brachii, Rhomboids

4. Coracobrachialis, Pectoralis major, Latissimus dorsi

The correct answer is: Supraspinatus, Infraspinatus, Teres minor

The tendons involved in the formation of the rotator cuff are indeed the supraspinatus, infraspinatus, and teres minor, along with the subscapularis. The rotator cuff consists of a group of muscles and their associated tendons that stabilize the shoulder joint and allow for a wide range of motion. The supraspinatus tendon assists in the abduction of the arm, while the infraspinatus and teres minor are crucial for lateral rotation of the shoulder. The subscapularis, although not listed in the options as the answer, completes the rotator cuff by facilitating medial rotation of the arm. This coordinated action among these tendons helps maintain the stability of the head of the humerus within the shallow glenoid cavity of the scapula, which is essential for the proper functioning of the shoulder joint. Understanding the roles of these tendons helps clarify how injuries or tears in any of them can lead to conditions such as rotator cuff tears, which can significantly impact shoulder mobility and function. The incorrect choices involve muscles and tendons that do not contribute to the rotator cuff and thus do not play a role in shoulder stabilization in the same way the correct option does.