The supraspinous fossa of the scapula houses which muscle belly?

• A. Infraspinatus
• B. Supraspinatus
• C. Deltoid
• D. Teres minor

Answer: (B)

The supraspinous fossa houses the supraspinatus muscle belly. This shallow area on the posterior surface of the scapula, located above the spine, is where the supraspinatus originates. The muscle then travels laterally under the acromion to insert on the greater tubercle of the humerus and begins the first phase of arm elevation. Knowing which fossa contains which muscle helps you map functional roles: the infraspinous fossa contains the infraspinatus, while the deltoid and teres minor have their own attachments nearby. So, the muscle belly in the supraspinous fossa is the supraspinatus.