Scalene Anatomy

The name scalene is related to the greek word skalenos which was used to refer to a triangle of unequal sides. Posterior scalene elevates second rib and flexes neck to same side.

Scalene Stretch

The scalene muscles elevate the ribs and therefore the thorax.

Scalene anatomy. The scalene muscles are three paired muscles of the neck located in the front on either side of the throat just lateral to the sternocleidomastoid. Originates from the posterior tubercles of the transverse processes of c2 c7 and attaches to the scalene tubercle of the first rib. Scalene muscles have three main functions.

Hold the ends of the band. The scalene muscles when not engaged as respiratory muscles are very active in the supine position and with the arm raised. The scalene muscles are a group of three pairs of muscles in the lateral neck namely the anterior scalene middle scalene and posterior scalene.

In reality the scalene muscles are always electrically active even for not necessarily forced breaths. The anterior and middle scalene muscles lift the first rib and bend the neck to the same side. A unilateral contraction bends the cervical spine to the side.

Ipsilateral contraction causes ipsilateral lateral flexion of the neck. To strength scalene sit in a comfortable chair. Anterior and medial scalene elevate first rib and flexes neck to same side.

Elevation of the first rib. The posterior scalene lifts the second rib and tilts the neck to the same side. Place the palm of your right hand on the right side of your head.

The name refers to the shape that is formed when the three scalene muscles come together on each side of the neck to form a scalene triangle. This hand acts as a stabilizer in the exercise. The scalene muscles are involved lifting the first two ribs in a forced inspiratory act as secondary respiratory muscles.

Sit or stand up straight with a resistance band looped around your head. Another exercise to strength scalene. The scalene muscles are a major contributor to thoracic outlet syndrome thoracic outlet syndrome tos happens when the nerves andor blood vessels running from the neck down into the arm are compressed in an area between the base of the neck and armpit.

The muscles are named from ancient greek σκαληνός meaning uneven. For that reason they are also considered as accessory muscles of inspiration. They are innervated by the fourth fifth and sixth cervical spinal nerves.

There is an anterior scalene scalenus anterior a medial scalene scalenus medius and a posterior scalene scalenus posterior.

The Scalene Anterior Stock Illustration Illustration Of