The shoulder muscle

What it does

The deltoid wraps over the top of your shoulder in three parts. The front part swings your arm forward, the middle part lifts it out to the side, and the back part pulls it backwards. It gives the shoulder its rounded shape and anchors on the collarbone, shoulder blade and upper arm.

Why it matters

The deltoid is a favourite spot for vaccinations because it is easy to reach, has a good blood supply and sits away from major nerves and vessels when you use the right point.

Nearby

• The upper arm bone
• The shoulder blade
• The collarbone
• The axillary nerve
• The supraspinatus (rotator cuff)

Read more

• Deltoid — Wikipedia