Which muscle helps in the movement of the shoulder and is known as the shoulder pad?
Answer Details
The shoulder muscle that is commonly referred to as the "shoulder pad" is the Deltoid muscle.
The Deltoid is a large, triangular muscle that wraps around the shoulder joint. It covers the base of the shoulder and is visible as the rounded contour of the shoulder - much like a shoulder pad.
This muscle is responsible for a range of movements of the shoulder, including:
Abduction - lifting the arm away from the body.
Flexion - lifting the arm forward.
Extension - moving the arm backwards.
Rotation - allowing the arm to rotate inward or outward.
The Deltoid muscle is anatomically divided into three parts:
Anterior Deltoid - responsible for shoulder flexion and inward rotation.
Lateral Deltoid - primarily responsible for arm abduction.
Posterior Deltoid - responsible for shoulder extension and outward rotation.
In summary, the Deltoid muscle is essential for the wide range of motion and the functionality of the shoulder, besides providing its distinct shape.