Anatomy
Scalene Muscles
Anterior Scalene
The anterior scalene muscle lies on the lateral aspect of the neck, deep to the prominent sternocleidomastoid muscle.
- Attachments: Originates from the anterior tubercles of the transverse processes of C3-C6, and attaches onto the scalene tubercle, on the inner border of the first rib.
- Function: Elevation of the first rib. Ipsilateral contraction causes ipsilateral lateral flexion of the neck, and bilateral contraction causes anterior flexion of the neck.
- Innervation: Anterior rami of C5-C6.
Middle Scalene
The middle scalene is the largest and longest of the three scalene muscles. It has several long, thin muscles bellies arising from the cervical spine, which converge into one large belly that inserts into the first rib.
- Attachments: Originates from the posterior tubercles of the transverse processes of C2-C7, and attaches to the scalene tubercle of the first rib.
- Function: Elevation of the first rib. Ipsilateral contraction causes ipsilateral lateral flexion of the neck.
- Innervation: Anterior rami of C3-C8.
Posterior Scalene
The posterior scalene is the smallest and deepest of the scalene muscles. Unlike the anterior and middle scalene muscles, it inserts into the second rib.
- Attachments: Originates from the posterior tubercles of the transverse processes of C5-C7, and attaches into the second rib.
- Function: Elevation of the second rib, and ipsilateral lateral flexion of the neck.
- Innervation: Anterior rami of C6-C8.
Stretching and self massage
Bryson Ingram R.M.T. 