Scalenus Minimus

Original Editor - Wendy Walker

Top Contributors - Vanessa Rhule, Kim Jackson, Wendy Walker and Evan Thomas

Description[edit | edit source]

Part of the Scalene group of lateral neck muscles,this muscle is absent in a large percentage of the population.
Cadaver studies report finding it on one side in between 7%[1] and 46%[2] of the population.
AKA Albinus Muscle, Sibson Muscle.
Scalenus minimus.jpg

Origin[edit | edit source]

C7

Anterior tubercle of transverse process of 7th cervical vertebra

Insertion[edit | edit source]

1st Rib and suprapleural fascia

Nerve Supply[edit | edit source]

Branches of the ventral rami of cervical spinal nerves 7 & 8

Blood Supply[edit | edit source]

Subclavian artery, suprascapular artery and superficial cervical artery

Action[edit | edit source]

Acting from above, in conjuction with Anterior Scalene and Middle Scalene: elevation of 1st rib

Helps raise and tense the dome of the parietal pleura

Function[edit | edit source]

Accessory muscle of inspiration

References[edit | edit source]

  1. Am Surg. 2013 Apr;79(4):372-4. Scalenus minimus muscle: overestimated or not? An anatomical study. Natsis K, Totlis T, Didagelos M, Tsakotos G, Vlassis K, Skandalakis P.
  2. Walter G. Harry, John D.C. Bennett, Somes C. GuhafckLRScalene muscles and the brachial plexus: Anatomical variations and their clinical significance Clinical Anatomy Volume 10, Issue 4, pages 250–252, 1997