Which muscles are included in the rotator cuff group?

The rotator cuff is a group of muscles and their associated tendons that play a crucial role in shoulder stability and movement. The correct answer identifies the four key muscles that compose the rotator cuff: supraspinatus, infraspinatus, teres minor, and subscapularis.

Each of these muscles has a specific function in shoulder mechanics. The supraspinatus initiates shoulder abduction, while the infraspinatus and teres minor are primarily responsible for external rotation of the shoulder. The subscapularis, located on the anterior surface of the scapula, facilitates internal rotation. Together, these muscles help stabilize the glenohumeral joint by holding the head of the humerus firmly in the shallow socket of the scapula, preventing dislocations and enabling proper range of motion.

The other muscle groups listed in the other options do not contribute to the rotator cuff. For example, the deltoids and teres major are important for shoulder movements but are not part of the rotator cuff. The pectoralis major and minor are involved in the movement of the shoulder but do not stabilize the joint in the same way as the rotator cuff muscles. Lastly, the latissimus d