schouderspier

Schouderspier is a Dutch term that can refer to the muscles around the shoulder, either to a specific shoulder muscle or to the shoulder musculature as a whole. In anatomical context it denotes the group of muscles that stabilize and move the shoulder joint.

Anatomy and components

The shoulder region involves several muscle groups, including the deltoid (with its anterior, middle and posterior fibers), the rotator cuff muscles (supraspinatus, infraspinatus, teres minor and subscapularis), the trapezius, serratus anterior, rhomboids and the pectoralis major. Collectively these muscles support arm movement and stabilize the glenohumeral joint, while individual muscles contribute specific actions such as lifting, rotating or drawing the shoulder blade.

Function

Shoulder muscles enable a wide range of movements, from lifting the arm to rotating it and bringing it forward or backward. The rotator cuff muscles stabilize the humeral head within the glenoid socket during movement, whereas the deltoid powers lifting the arm away from the body. Scapular muscles control the position of the shoulder blade, coordinating the overall shoulder motion through scapulohumeral rhythm.

Nerve supply

Different schouderspier components receive distinct nerves: the deltoid mainly from the axillary nerve; supraspinatus and infraspinatus from the suprascapular nerve; subscapularis from subscapular nerves; trapezius from the accessory nerve and cervical nerves; serratus anterior from the long thoracic nerve.

Clinical relevance

Common conditions affecting the shoulder muscles include rotator cuff tendinopathy or tears, impingement syndrome, shoulder instability, adhesive capsulitis (frozen shoulder) and muscular strains due to overuse or injury.

See also

Rotator cuff, deltoid, shoulder girdle.