Muscles / Head & neck
Scalenus anterior
- Head & neck
- Neck
- Intermediate layer
Also called anterior scalene.
Anatomy
- Origin
- Anterior tubercles of the transverse processes of C3-C6
- Insertion
- Scalene tubercle of the 1st rib
- Nerve
- Anterior rami of cervical spinal nerves (C4-C6)
Actions
- Elevates the 1st rib (forced inspiration)
- Laterally flexes the neck
Notes
- The brachial plexus and subclavian artery pass between scalenus anterior and medius (interscalene triangle), a site of thoracic outlet compression.
References (4)
- Standring S, ed. Elsevier. Gray's Anatomy: The Anatomical Basis of Clinical Practice. 42nd ed.
- Dalley AF, Agur AMR. Wolters Kluwer. Moore's Clinically Oriented Anatomy. 9th ed.
- Neumann DA. Elsevier. Kinesiology of the Musculoskeletal System: Foundations for Rehabilitation. 3rd ed.
- Betts JG, Young KA, Wise JA, et al. OpenStax (free, openly licensed textbook). Anatomy and Physiology 2e