Scalene

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Description

Scalene are a group of three pairs of muscles in the lateral neck: scalenus anterior, scalenus medius and scalenus posterior. Sometimes a fourth muscle, the scalenus minimus is present behind the lower portion of the scalenus anterior. The brachial plexus and subclavian artery pass between the anterior and middle scalenes, while the subclavian vein and phrenic nerve pass anteriorly to the anterior scalene as the muscle crosses over the first rib.

Origin

• Scalenus Anterior: Anterior tubercles of the transverse processes of vertebrae C3-C6
• Scalenus Medius: Posterior tubercles of the transverse processes of vertebrae C2-C7
• Scalenus Posterior: Posterior tubercles of the transverse processes of vertebrae C5-C7

Insertion

• Scalenus Anterior: Scalene tubercle of the first rib
• Scalenus Medius: Upper surface of the first rib behind the subclavian artery
• Scalenus Posterior: Lateral surface of the second rib

Nerve Supply

• Scalenus Anterior: Brachial plexus, C5-C7
• Scalenus Medius: Brachial plexus, C3-C8
• Scalenus Posterior: Brachial plexus, C7-C8

Blood Supply

Ascending cervical artery, a branch of the Thyro-cervical trunk for all the 3 divisions of the Scalenus muscle.

Action

Flexes & rotates neck

Function

Elevates the first rib; flexes and laterally bends the neck

Recent Related Research (from Pubmed)

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References

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