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Lateral deltoid

Side delt · Shoulders

Origin
Acromion of the scapula
Insertion
Deltoid tuberosity of the humerus
Action
Abducts the arm (raises it out to the side)

The middle head gives the shoulder its width. It is the prime mover in lateral raises and assists the front delts in overhead pressing.

Main exercises

Also works in

Lateral deltoid anatomy page →

Exercises that train the lateral deltoid

Nearby muscles