Posterior 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 neck¹

Reading list

• Scalene Muscle²
• ³

Muscle	Origin	Insertion	Innervation	Action
Posterior scalene	Posterior tubercle of TP of C5-C7	2nd Rib (outer surface)	Anterior Rami C6 - C8	Mobile ribs: Elevates ribs during forced inspiration Fixed ribs (unilateral): I/L C/s sidebend (unilateral) Fixed ribs (bil): C/s flexion, Cervical lateral stabilization

Origin

C5–C7 (posterior tubercles of transverse processes)⁴

Insertion

2nd rib (outer surface)

Innervation

Anterior rami of C6, C7, & C8⁴

Action

• According to Atlas of Anatomy⁴, the scalenes all have the same function:
• With ribs mobile: Elevates upper ribs (during forced inspiration)⁴
• With ribs fixed: Flexes cervical spine to same side (unilateral)⁴, flexes neck (bilateral)⁴

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.

Donnelly JM, Simons DG, eds. Travell, Simons & Simons’ Myofascial Pain and Dysfunction: The Trigger Point Manual. Third edition. Wolters Kluwer Health; 2019.

3.

Neumann DA, Kelly ER, Kiefer CL, Martens K, Grosz CM. Kinesiology of the Musculoskeletal System: Foundations for Rehabilitation. 3rd ed. Elsevier; 2017.

4.

Gilroy AM, MacPherson BR, Wikenheiser JC, Voll MM, Wesker K, Schünke M, eds. Atlas of Anatomy. 4th ed. Thieme; 2020.