Scalene muscles

Scalene Muscles

The Scalene Muscles (/ˈskeɪliːn/; from the Greek word "skalenos", meaning uneven) are a group of three pairs of muscles in the lateral neck, namely the anterior scalene, middle scalene, and posterior scalene. They are innervated by the brachial plexus and the cervical spinal nerves C4-C6.

Etymology

The term "scalene" comes from the Greek word "skalenos", meaning uneven. This is due to the varying lengths of these three muscles.

Function

The scalene muscles have several functions in the human body. They elevate the first and second ribs, tilt the neck to the same side, and can act as accessory muscles of respiration during forced inhalation.

Anterior Scalene

The Anterior Scalene (/ˈæntɪərɪər skeɪliːn/) originates from the anterior tubercles of the transverse processes of the third, fourth, fifth, and sixth cervical vertebrae and inserts into the scalene tubercle on the inner border of the first rib.

Middle Scalene

The Middle Scalene (/ˈmɪdəl skeɪliːn/) is larger than the anterior but smaller than the posterior. It originates from the posterior tubercles of the transverse processes of the lower six cervical vertebrae and inserts into the upper surface of the first rib.

Posterior Scalene

The Posterior Scalene (/poʊˈstiərɪər skeɪliːn/) is the largest and deepest of the three. It originates from the posterior tubercles of the transverse processes of the lower six cervical vertebrae and inserts into the outer surface of the second rib.

Related Terms

• Brachial Plexus
• Cervical Spinal Nerves
• Transverse Processes
• Vertebrae
• Ribs

External links

• Medical encyclopedia article on Scalene muscles
• Wikipedia's article - Scalene muscles

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