This site is intended for healthcare professionals

Go to /sign-in page

You can view 5 more pages before signing in

Deltoid muscle (anatomy)

Last reviewed dd mmm yyyy. Last edited dd mmm yyyy

Authoring team

On both sides, the deltoid muscles are important in attaching the shoulder girdle to the arm. In continuity, they originate from the:

  • inferior surface of the lateral third of the clavicle
  • acromion
  • spine of the scapula

They insert into the deltoid tuberosity. Acting as a unit, deltoid acts to abduct the arm at the glenohumeral joint. However, the anterior fibres assist in flexing and medially rotating the arm whereas the posterior fibres extend and laterally rotate.

Deltoid is innervated by the axillary nerve (C5, C6).

Create an account to add page annotations

Add information to this page that would be handy to have on hand during a consultation, such as a web address or phone number. This information will always be displayed when you visit this page