Which tendon courses through the shoulder joint?

Which tendon courses through the shoulder joint?

• A. Supraspinatus
• B. Infraspinatus
• C. Subscapularis
• D. Long head of biceps

Answer: (D)

The key idea is that only one tendon actually runs through the glenohumeral joint capsule. The long head of the biceps originates from the supraglenoid tubercle inside the joint capsule and travels through the joint space before entering the intertubercular groove. This intra-articular segment is what makes it the tendon that courses through the shoulder joint. In contrast, the supraspinatus, infraspinatus, and subscapularis tendons are part of the rotator cuff and run around the joint, attaching to the humeral head from outside the capsule. They help stabilize and move the joint but do not pass through the glenohumeral capsule itself.

The key idea is that only one tendon actually runs through the glenohumeral joint capsule. The long head of the biceps originates from the supraglenoid tubercle inside the joint capsule and travels through the joint space before entering the intertubercular groove. This intra-articular segment is what makes it the tendon that courses through the shoulder joint.

In contrast, the supraspinatus, infraspinatus, and subscapularis tendons are part of the rotator cuff and run around the joint, attaching to the humeral head from outside the capsule. They help stabilize and move the joint but do not pass through the glenohumeral capsule itself.