Which muscles perform lateral rotation at the shoulder?

Study for the NPTE Physical Therapist Assistant Exam. Ace the test with comprehensive flashcards and multiple-choice questions. Each query offers hints and detailed explanations. Get thoroughly prepared for your examination!

The muscles that perform lateral rotation at the shoulder are primarily the teres minor, infraspinatus, and posterior deltoid.

The teres minor and infraspinatus are both part of the rotator cuff group, which is essential for stabilizing the shoulder joint and enabling a full range of shoulder motions. Specifically, these muscles contract to rotate the humerus laterally, moving the arm away from the midline of the body. The posterior deltoid also contributes to lateral rotation as it assists in the movement of the humerus when the arm is raised to the side.

The other options, while mentioning various shoulder muscles, do not include the primary muscles responsible for lateral rotation. For instance, the muscles listed in the first option primarily contribute to adduction and flexion of the shoulder rather than lateral rotation. The third option includes muscles involved in shoulder abduction and extension but not lateral rotation, and the last option features muscles that primarily function in adduction and flexion of the shoulder. Thus, recognizing the key roles of teres minor, infraspinatus, and posterior deltoid clarifies why this combination is accurately identified for lateral rotation of the shoulder.

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