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Anatomy
Anatomy

Rotator Cuff (SITS)

Evidence-grounded — sourced from Fysiqal's fitness knowledge graph· 1 min read
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In one line

The four rotator cuff muscles — Supraspinatus, Infraspinatus, Teres minor, Subscapularis (SITS) — that rotate and stabilize the shoulder joint.

Detail

The rotator cuff muscles (SITS) rotate the shoulder joint (Ellison, 1991). They are the supraspinatus, infraspinatus, teres minor, and subscapularis. The anterior-view diagram shows the subscapularis and glenohumeral joint; the posterior-view diagram shows the supraspinatus, teres minor, and infraspinatus. Important note: ensure that only low resistances are used when training the rotator cuff. The recommended exercise is internal/external rotation.

Key facts

  • SITS = Supraspinatus, Infraspinatus, Teres minor, Subscapularis.
  • Function: rotate (and stabilize) the shoulder joint.
  • Use only low resistances when training the rotator cuff.

Connections

  • supraspinatus — abducts the humerus.
  • infraspinatus — external rotation.
  • teres-minor — external rotation.
  • subscapularis — internal rotation.
  • rotator-cuff-low-resistance — use only low resistances.
SourceReference manual
p.84
Cited authorities in source: Ellison (1991).
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Educational content only — not medical advice. Always consult a qualified professional for individualized guidance, especially around injury, pregnancy, or medical conditions.

Explore related topics

Atlas Connections

External Rotation
Rotation with the axis of the bone turning away from the body (e.g., the humerus turned outward).
InfraspinatusClosely related
The "I" of SITS; an external rotator of the shoulder also involved in horizontal abduction and extension.
Internal Rotation
Rotation with the axis of the bone turning toward the body (e.g., the humerus turned inward).
SubscapularisClosely related
The "S" of SITS; the internal rotator of the shoulder, also involved in extension and adduction.
SupraspinatusClosely related
The "S" of SITS; it abducts the humerus and does not rotate it.
Teres MinorClosely related
The "T" of SITS; an external rotator of the shoulder also involved in horizontal abduction and extension.
Rotator Cuff — Use Only Low ResistanceClosely related
When training the rotator cuff muscles (SITS), ensure that only low resistances are used.