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The Anterior Scalene is a member of the Scalene Group, which is composed of the:
- Anterior scalene
- Middle scalene
- Posterior scalene
ATTACHMENTS:
- The anterior scalene attaches from the transverse processes of the cervical spine to the first rib.
- The superior attachments are onto the anterior tubercles of the transverse processes of C3-C6.
ACTIONS:
- Flexes the neck at the spinal joints.
- Laterally flexes the neck at the spinal joints.
- Contralaterally rotates the neck at the spinal joints.
- Elevates the first rib at the sternocostal and costospinal joints.
NOTE: A tight anterior scalene can be involved with a neurovascular compression syndrome (of the brachial plexus of nerves and the subclavian artery) known as anterior scalene syndrome (a type of thoracic outlet syndrome).
