Scalenus anterior (Musculus scalenus anterior)
Educational content only — not medical advice.
Anatomy
An oblique muscle between cervical vertebrae and the first rib; the brachial plexus and subclavian artery pass between it and the medius — the key to anterior thoracic outlet syndrome.
Origin & insertion
Transverse processes of C3–C6.
Action
Elevates the first rib in forced inspiration and flexes the neck to its own side.
Innervation
Anterior rami of C4–C6.
Clinical notes
Overactivity compresses plexus and artery beneath (scalenus syndrome) with hand paraesthesia and cooling; surgically divided in refractory thoracic outlet syndrome.
Related structures
Educational references
FAQ
What is the role of the Scalenus anterior?
An oblique muscle between cervical vertebrae and the first rib; the brachial plexus and subclavian artery pass between it and the medius — the key to anterior thoracic outlet syndrome.
Why is the Scalenus anterior clinically important?
Overactivity compresses plexus and artery beneath (scalenus syndrome) with hand paraesthesia and cooling; surgically divided in refractory thoracic outlet syndrome.
Source & license
BodyParts3D, © The Database Center for Life Science licensed under CC Attribution 4.0 International (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/). license details