Which shoulder structure can lead to "frozen shoulder" if inflamed?

The correct choice is the glenohumeral joint capsule, as inflammation in this structure can lead to adhesive capsulitis, commonly known as "frozen shoulder." The condition is characterized by stiffness and pain in the shoulder, which arise from the thickening and tightening of the joint capsule. This fibrosis limits the range of motion in the shoulder and can occur post-injury or after periods of immobility.

The glenohumeral joint capsule plays a crucial role in stabilizing the shoulder joint and facilitating its movements. When it becomes inflamed, either due to trauma, overuse, or other medical conditions, the body's response can result in scar tissue formation. This restricts the normal mobility of the shoulder, leading to the symptoms associated with frozen shoulder.

While the other structures listed are important to shoulder function and can be involved in various shoulder pathologies, they do not directly lead to the specific condition of frozen shoulder through inflammation in the same way as the joint capsule does. For instance, rotator cuff muscles are primarily responsible for shoulder stabilization and movement, and issues with them typically result in rotator cuff tears or tendinitis, rather than the adhesive process seen in frozen shoulder. Meanwhile, inflammation of the subacromial bursa