Final answer:
The rotator cuff muscles, consisting of the supraspinatus, infraspinatus, teres minor, and subscapularis, function to provide support and stabilize the shoulder joint, allowing for a wide range of movement.
Step-by-step explanation:
The common function of the rotator cuff muscles, which include the supraspinatus, infraspinatus, teres minor, and subscapularis, is to provide primary structural support for the shoulder joint. These muscles arise from the scapula and attach to the humerus, encompassing the head of the humerus with their tendons.
This circle of tendons, known as the rotator cuff, serves as a 'dynamic ligament' that holds the head of the humerus within the glenoid cavity, enabling the shoulder to maintain its wide range of motion. The rotator cuff facilitates movements of the upper limb and adjusts strength of contraction to stabilize the shoulder against various forces.