Anatomical Relations
The supraspinatus fascia completely surrounds the supraspinous muscle and attaches to the border of the supraspinous fossa. Inferiorly, it is continuous with the infraspinatus fascia.
Related parts of the anatomy
Structure
Laterally, the supraspinatus fascia is thin under the coracoacromial ligament. Medially, the fascia thickens where it gives attachment to the supraspinatus muscle. The medial part of the fascia is so dense and thick that it must be removed during dissection in order to view the underlying muscle.
Function
Together with the infraspinatus fascia, the supraspinatus fascia forms a singular osseofibrous compartment for the supraspinatus and infraspinatus muscles. The underlying muscles of the scapula are thus located in individual osseofibrous compartments. The supraspinous fascia gives an attachment for the supraspinatus muscle, in addition to the bony insertion and origin points. The large attachment area for the muscle increases the effectiveness and efficiency of its action (Standring, 2016).
References
Standring, S. (2016) Gray's Anatomy: The Anatomical Basis of Clinical Practice. Gray's Anatomy Series 41st edn.: Elsevier Limited.
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Fascia
A fascia is a connective tissue that surrounds muscles, groups of muscles, blood vessels, and nerves.
