Medical term:

suprascapularis

su·pra·scap·u·lar nerve

[TA]

arises from the upper trunk of the brachial plexus (fifth and sixth cervical spinal nerves), passes downward parallel to the cords of the brachial plexus, then through the scapular notch, supplying the supraspinatus and infraspinatus muscles, and also sending branches to the shoulder joint. It is vulnerable to injury in fractures of the middle third of the clavicle; a lesion of the suprascapular nerve results in a loss of lateral rotation at the shoulder so that when relaxed the limb rotates medially (waiter's tip position); ability to initiate abduction is also affected.

Synonym(s): nervus suprascapularis [TA]

Farlex Partner Medical Dictionary © Farlex 2012

su·pra·scap·u·lar nerve

(sū'pră-skap'yū-lăr nĕrv) [TA]

Arises from the upper trunk of the brachial plexus (fifth and sixth cervical spinal nerves), passes downward parallel to the cords of the brachial plexus, then through the scapular notch, supplying the supraspinatus and infraspinatus muscles, and also sending branches to the shoulder joint. It is vulnerable to injury in fractures of the middle third of the clavicle; a lesion of the suprascapular nerve results in a loss of lateral rotation at the shoulder so that when relaxed the limb rotates medially (waiter's tip position); ability to initiate abduction is also affected.
Synonym(s): nervus suprascapularis [TA] .

Medical Dictionary for the Health Professions and Nursing © Farlex 2012

suprascapular nerve

A mixed shoulder nerve originating in the superior trunk of the brachial plexus and composed of axons from spinal cord segments C5–C6. It runs through the scapular notch under the superior transverse scapular ligament.

Sensory

It innervates the glenohumeral joint.

Motor

It innervates the supraspinatus and infraspinatus muscles.