Final answer:
The supraspinatus tendon attaches to the greater tubercle of the humerus. It is part of the rotator cuff, which is crucial for shoulder joint movement and stability, allowing arm abduction. This tendon is prone to injury from repetitive overhead activity.
Step-by-step explanation:
The supraspinatus tendon attaches to the greater tubercle of the humerus. It is one of the four tendons that make up the rotator cuff, which provides support and enables a wide range of movements for the shoulder joint. Specifically, the four muscles—supraspinatus, infraspinatus, teres minor, and subscapularis—arise from the scapula and attach to the greater or lesser tubercles of the humerus. They encircle the head of the humerus and become fused to the articular capsule of the shoulder joint.
This tendon is crucial in allowing the arm to carry out the movement of abduction. The supraspinatus is particularly vulnerable to injury from activities that involve repeated overhead motions, such as those seen in baseball pitchers. Overuse can lead to inflammation and tears in the tendon due to the continuous pinching and resultant friction.