Which muscle originates from the supraspinous fossa of the scapula?

• A. Infraspinatus
• B. Supraspinatus
• C. Teres minor
• D. Pectoralis major

Answer: (B)

Muscle origin on a specific part of the scapula helps identify which muscle is starting from that surface. The supraspinous fossa, located above the spine on the back of the scapula, is the origin for the supraspinatus. This muscle is one of the rotator cuff group and assists in the initial phase of shoulder abduction while helping to stabilize the humeral head in the glenoid.

The other muscles listed originate from different locations: the infraspinatus comes from the infraspinous fossa below the spine, the teres minor from the lateral border of the scapula, and the pectoralis major from the chest bones (clavicle, sternum, and upper ribs). So the muscle that originates from the supraspinous fossa is the supraspinatus.