Anatomy
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What is a Deltoid Muscle?

Mary McMahon
Mary McMahon
Mary McMahon
Mary McMahon

The deltoid muscle is the muscle that gives the shoulder its rounded shape. Many mammals have this muscle, as the design is very efficient, and this muscle is responsible for the abduction of the shoulder and some of the rotation of the arm or limb. In humans, the deltoids are a common target of weight training, with people engaging in activities like presses to develop and strengthen them. In people with very well defined musculature and low body fat, the deltoid is often highly visible on the shoulder and upper arm.

This muscle has three heads. The posterior deltoid originates at the scapula, while the anterior and lateral deltoids connect with the collarbone. The other end of the muscle attaches to the humerus, the armbone. Structurally, the muscles resemble triangles, or the Greek letter Δ (delta).

The deltoid muscle is involved in rotating the shoulder.
The deltoid muscle is involved in rotating the shoulder.

The primary function of this muscle is to abduct the shoulder. When people rotate a shoulder, the deltoid muscle does much of the work, guiding and stabilizing the movement. Outward rotation of the arm also involves the muscle. In a classic example of this muscle at work, people who swing their arms while walking are relying heavily on the it for the swinging motion.

The deltoid muscle is responsible for the shoulder's rounded shape.
The deltoid muscle is responsible for the shoulder's rounded shape.

The axillary nerve, which originates in the brachial plexus, a tight bundle of nerves near the neck, is responsible for innervating the deltoid muscle. Problems with the function of the muscle can arise both as a result of damage to the axillary nerve and as a result of damage to the muscle itself. Strain is a common problem with the shoulder muscles, and can be caused by overextension or lifting too much weight. The symptoms of strain include the sudden onset of pain and soreness, as well as stiffness in the muscle and a limited range of movement.

Deltoid muscles contain three parts: posterior, anterior and lateral.
Deltoid muscles contain three parts: posterior, anterior and lateral.

For mild strains, ice and rest are often enough to allow the muscle to recover. Some patients also find the application of hot compresses beneficial. More severe strains may require treatment, such as physical therapy or medication, to manage pain while the muscle heals. If the axillary nerve is damaged, patients may lose muscle control or notice tingling and painful sensations. Nerve damage may resolve if it is mild, or be retained if it is more severe. A neurologist can conduct an examination to determine whether or not the nerve is really damaged and to determine the severity of the problem.

Mary McMahon
Mary McMahon

Ever since she began contributing to the site several years ago, Mary has embraced the exciting challenge of being a TheHealthBoard researcher and writer. Mary has a liberal arts degree from Goddard College and spends her free time reading, cooking, and exploring the great outdoors.

Learn more...
Mary McMahon
Mary McMahon

Ever since she began contributing to the site several years ago, Mary has embraced the exciting challenge of being a TheHealthBoard researcher and writer. Mary has a liberal arts degree from Goddard College and spends her free time reading, cooking, and exploring the great outdoors.

Learn more...

Discussion Comments

rugbygirl

@Kat919 - I've seen it both ways. Some people say that raising your hands too high will hurt your shoulder, while others say that raising up to just above your shoulders is how to really build deltoid muscle.

I'm not an expert, but I always follow the rule of listening to your body. If you work out, you probably know the difference between "good" pain (i.e., fatigue) and "bad" pain (something going wrong). Personally, I don't lift my hands higher than mu shoulders because my shoulder "pops" when I do that. I figure popping sounds are bad, and I try to avoid them!

Kat919

Years ago, I was told that when you're doing deltoid exercises, you should never raise your arm above the level of your shoulder. (I'm basically talking about flies here, when you hold a weight in each hand and slowly raise your arms, keeping them more or less straight.) I think the idea was the it was bad for your shoulder joint.

The last couple of exercises classes I've been in, though, I've seen the instructor raising her hands noticeably higher than her shoulders. Has this rule changed? Did it turn out to be OK to do that?

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    • The deltoid muscle is involved in rotating the shoulder.
      By: sanneberg
      The deltoid muscle is involved in rotating the shoulder.
    • The deltoid muscle is responsible for the shoulder's rounded shape.
      By: Syda Productions
      The deltoid muscle is responsible for the shoulder's rounded shape.
    • Deltoid muscles contain three parts: posterior, anterior and lateral.
      By: Sergey Lavrentev
      Deltoid muscles contain three parts: posterior, anterior and lateral.
    • The military press strengthens the deltoids, or shoulders muscles, and other muscles of the upper body.
      By: michaeljung
      The military press strengthens the deltoids, or shoulders muscles, and other muscles of the upper body.