Anterior Scalene Muscle

Authors
Affiliations

Nate Yomogida, B.S., SPT

Doctor of Physical Therapy

B.S. in Kinesiology

Chloë Kerstein, B.S., SPT

Doctor of Physical Therapy

B.A. in Neuroscience

Figure 1: Muscles of the Posterior and lateral neck
Figure 2: Muscles of the Neck and Back
Figure 3: Hypoglossal nerve, cervical plexus, and their respective branches
Reading list
  • Scalene Muscle
  • SCM MMT

Origin

C3–C6 (anterior tubercles of transverse processes)

Insertion

1st rib (Scalene Tubercle)

Nerve

Anterior rami of C4, C5, C6

Action

  • According to Atlas of Anatomy, the scalenes all have the same function:
  • With ribs mobile: Elevates upper ribs (during forced inspiration)
  • With ribs fixed: Flexes cervical spine to same side (unilateral), flexes neck (bilateral)

References

1.
Betts JG, Blaker W. Anatomy and Physiology. 2nd ed. OpenStax; 2022. https://openstax.org/details/books/anatomy-and-physiology-2e/?Book%20details
2.
Gray H. Anatomy of the Human Body. 20th ed. (Lewis WH, ed.). Lea & Febiger; 1918. https://www.bartleby.com/107/
3.
Donnelly JM, Simons DG, eds. Travell, Simons & Simons’ Myofascial Pain and Dysfunction: The Trigger Point Manual. Third edition. Wolters Kluwer Health; 2019.
4.
Neumann DA, Kelly ER, Kiefer CL, Martens K, Grosz CM. Kinesiology of the Musculoskeletal System: Foundations for Rehabilitation. 3rd ed. Elsevier; 2017.
5.
Weinstock D. NeuroKinetic Therapy: An Innovative Approach to Manual Muscle Testing. North Atlantic Books; 2010.
6.
Gilroy AM, MacPherson BR, Wikenheiser JC, Voll MM, Wesker K, Schünke M, eds. Atlas of Anatomy. 4th ed. Thieme; 2020.

Citation

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