Which muscle is NOT part of the rotator cuff?

The teres major muscle is not part of the rotator cuff, which consists of the supraspinatus, infraspinatus, teres minor, and subscapularis. The rotator cuff plays a crucial role in stabilizing the shoulder joint and facilitating its wide range of motion. Each of its constituent muscles has specific functions, such as initiating arm abduction or facilitating external and internal rotation of the humerus.

The teres major, while located near the shoulder and contributing to movements like shoulder extension and internal rotation, serves a different purpose and is anatomically distinct from the rotator cuff muscles. Understanding this distinction is important for those studying anatomy related to shoulder functionality, as it aids in comprehending how various muscles contribute differently to movement and stabilization at the shoulder joint.