Scalenus anterior
Musculus scalenus anterior
MuscularDeep musclesNeckLeft and right
View left in 3D View right in 3D
- What it is
- Lies deep to sternocleidomastoid, running from the anterior tubercles of the C3–C6 transverse processes to the scalene tubercle on the inner border of the first rib.
- Function
- Elevates the first rib in forced inspiration and flexes and bends the neck to its side.
- Size
- About 6 cm long and 1 cm wide.
- Clinical note
- The phrenic nerve descends on its front; the subclavian artery and brachial plexus pass behind it, between it and scalenus medius — a narrow gap here causes thoracic outlet syndrome.