College of Massage Therapists of British Columbia (CMTBC) Practice Exam

What is the motor function of the suprascapular nerve?

1. Subscapularis

2. Serratus anterior

3. Supraspinatus and infraspinatus

4. Triceps brachii

The correct answer is: Supraspinatus and infraspinatus

The suprascapular nerve is primarily responsible for innervating the supraspinatus and infraspinatus muscles. These muscles are critical for shoulder movement and stability. The supraspinatus muscle plays a key role in the abduction of the arm, while the infraspinatus is involved in the external rotation of the shoulder. Understanding this innervation is important for massage therapists, as these muscles are often implicated in shoulder injuries or conditions such as rotator cuff tears. Proper assessment and treatment strategies can be applied to address dysfunctions in these muscles, which are facilitated by their specific motor nerve supply from the suprascapular nerve. This knowledge enhances a therapist’s ability to tailor their approach based on muscular involvement, contributing to more effective treatment outcomes.