Which of the following muscles are not part of the rotator cuff group?

The trapezius muscle is not part of the rotator cuff group, which is why it is the correct answer to this question. The rotator cuff is a group of four specific muscles—subscapularis, infraspinatus, supraspinatus, and teres minor—that work together to stabilize the shoulder joint and facilitate its movement.

The trapezius, while it does play a significant role in shoulder and neck movement, is primarily involved in the elevation and rotation of the scapula rather than the rotation of the humerus in the shoulder joint. Its location and function are distinct from those of the muscles that comprise the rotator cuff, which are directly attached to the humerus and contribute to its stability and mobility.

Understanding the distinctions between these muscle groups is essential for identifying their specific roles in shoulder mechanics and is crucial for evaluation and rehabilitation strategies in kinesiology.