
What are the scalene muscles of the neck?
The scalene muscles are the three muscles found on each side of the neck, spanning between the transverse processes of the cervical vertebrae and the upper two ribs. Namely, these muscles are the scalenus anterior (anterior scalene), scalenus medius (middle scalene) and scalenus posterior (posterior scalene).
Does the anterior scalene have more than one function?
It has more than one function. It’s helpful to remember that you have these muscles on both sides of your neck. When acting only on one side of your neck, the anterior scalene can bend and rotate your neck. When both of your anterior scalenes work together, they flex (bend) your neck.
Do all 3 scalene muscles produce rotation of the cervical spine?
Passive rotation to the opposite side put each scalene muscle of the macaque on. stretch. In the human, rotation to the opposite side also stretched each scalene. Conclusions: All 3 scalene muscles produce rotation of the cervical spine to the same side. Maximum stretching of the scalenes should include rotation to the opposite side.
Why is the scalene triangle important to the neck?
The scalene triangle is important because the brachial plexus nerve complex branches pass through it. Scalene tension may compress these branches, and that may be a sign of thoracic outlet syndrome (TOS). 1 The scalenes are implicated in a number of neck problems. Below are a few of the more common ones.

Do scalenes flex and rotate the neck?
Namely, these muscles are the scalenus anterior (anterior scalene), scalenus medius (middle scalene) and scalenus posterior (posterior scalene). They all belong to the lateral vertebral muscle group. The main functions of these muscles are flexion, lateral flexion and rotation of the neck.
What muscles rotate the neck?
Splenius capitis and splenius cervicis: Strap-like muscles in the back of your neck that help you extend and rotate your head.
What motion do the scalenes do?
Function. The action of the anterior and middle scalene muscles is to elevate the first rib, they also flexes and laterally bends the neck to same side. The action of the posterior scalene is to elevate the second rib and tilt the neck to the same side.
Which muscle rotate the neck to the opposite side?
The sternocleidomastoid muscle is one of the largest and most superficial cervical muscles. The primary actions of the muscle are rotation of the head to the opposite side and flexion of the neck. The sternocleidomastoid is innervated by the accessory nerve.
What muscles do thoracic rotation?
Many muscles influence the movement of the thoracic spine, but the most notable are the spinal erectors, rhomboids, and middle trapezius.
What is neck rotation?
Neck Rotation: Rotate head gently and slowly from side to side. Do not turn head completely to either side, keep motion small. Keep chin level with ground without letting chin drop to chest. Repeat 10 times. Perform this exercise 2 times per day.
Do the scalenes rotate the head?
Conclusions: All 3 scalene muscles produce rotation of the cervical spine to the same side. Maximum stretching of the scalenes should include rotation to the opposite side.
Which muscle rotates and laterally flexes the neck quizlet?
The sternocleidomastoid is located on the lateral and anterior aspects of the neck.
What is the function of the scalenes quizlet?
The scalenes perform the important task of elevating the upper ribs.
What muscles turn head left and right?
The muscles involved include the sternocleidomastoid, rotatores longi, semispinalis capitis, and semispinalis cervicis. Scalenes acting in contralateral head rotation.
How do you move your neck side to side?
1:153:56How To MOVE HEAD SIDE TO SIDE ( Head / Neck Isolation Tutorial ...YouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipStill moving your chin. By facing forward you're going to feel your neck is working. And do the sameMoreStill moving your chin. By facing forward you're going to feel your neck is working. And do the same thing with the other side to your head facing forward forehead stand still moving your chin.
When both the sternocleidomastoid muscles contract which way does the head turn?
A unilateral contraction of the sternocleidomastoid muscle flexes the cervical vertebral column to the same side (lateral flexion) and rotates the head to the opposite side. A bilateral contraction elevates the head by dorsally extending the upper cervical joints.
Why are my scalenes so tight?
Ideally, scalene muscles are meant to be relaxed and off duty. They are non-postural and fast-twitching muscles (meaning they fatigue quickly). When scalene muscles are overburdened, muscle fibers tighten and accrue waste products to cause neck stiffness, soreness, and limited range of motion.
What causes pain in the sternocleidomastoid muscle?
Causes of SCM pain can include chronic health conditions, such as asthma, and acute respiratory infections, such as sinusitis, bronchitis, pneumonia, and the flu. Other causes of SCM pain include: injuries such as whiplash or falls. overhead work such as painting, carpentry, or hanging curtains.
How do you release the sternocleidomastoid muscle?
0:081:56Sternocleidomastoid Release - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipHe's gonna do a lateral tilt to the opposite direction. And then he's gonna roll his chin in to theMoreHe's gonna do a lateral tilt to the opposite direction. And then he's gonna roll his chin in to the same direction as he does that he's gonna breathe outward bringing his ribs and sternum down.
How do you relax the sternocleidomastoid muscle?
2:233:59Sternocleidomastoid Stretch (SCM) for Posture Correction - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipAlong over here okay the sternocleidomastoid muscle. So one more time start here place these twoMoreAlong over here okay the sternocleidomastoid muscle. So one more time start here place these two fingers on the clavicle kind of feeling where that muscle is okay and then from here we're gonna go
Where are the scalene muscles located?
Log In. The scalene muscles are three paired muscles (anterior, middle and posterior), located in the lateral aspect of the neck. Collectively, they form part of the floor of the posterior triangle of the neck. The scalenes act as accessory muscles of respiration, and perform flexion at the neck. In this article, we shall look at the anatomy ...
Where is the anterior scalene located?
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.
What is the innervation of the C6-C8?
Innervation: Anterior rami of C6-C8. Anatomical Relationships. The scalene muscles are an important part of the anatomy of the neck, with several important structures located between and around them. The brachial plexus and subclavian artery pass between the anterior and middle scalene muscles.
What are the three paired muscles of the scalene?
3.1 Interscalene block. 3.2 Accessory Muscles of Respiration. The scalene muscles are three paired muscles (anterior, middle and posterior), located in the lateral aspect of the neck. Collectively, they form part of the floor of the posterior triangle of the neck. The scalenes act as accessory muscles of respiration, and perform flexion at the neck.
Which muscle is the largest and longest of the three scalene muscles?
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.
Which artery passes between the scalene muscles?
The brachial plexus and subclavian artery pass between the anterior and middle scalene muscles. This provides an important anatomical landmark in anaesthetics for performing an interscalene block.
Which muscle acts as accessory muscles of respiration and performs flexion at the neck?
The scalenes act as accessory muscles of respiration, and perform flexion at the neck.
How to target anterior scalene?
To target the anterior scalene, turn your face away from the pulling arm.
How to strengthen scalene muscle?
Begin to move your right ear toward your right shoulder while maintaining the resistance provided by your right hand. Repeat 8 to 12 times on each side. By strengthening the scalene muscle you will increase your ability to stabilize your cervical spine, which reduces the risk of a future injury.
What are the three muscles that make up the scalene?
Scalene are a group of three pairs of muscles in the lateral neck: scalenus anterior, scalenus medius and scalenus posterior. Sometimes a fourth muscle, the scalenus minimus is present behind the lower portion of the scalenus anterior. The brachial plexus and subclavian artery pass between the anterior and middle scalenes, while the subclavian vein and phrenic nerve pass anteriorly to the anterior scalene as the muscle crosses over the first rib.
Which muscle flexes the neck to the same side?
The action of the anterior and middle scalene muscles is to elevate the first rib, they also flexes and laterally bends the neck to same side.The action of the posterior scalene is to elevate the second rib and tilt the neck to the same side.They also act as accessory muscles of inspiration, along with the sternocleidomastoid.
How to get rid of scalene trigger points?
The first thing you need to do to get rid of your scalene trigger points is to eliminate the underlying causes. Gently place the tips of the fingers on your right hand on the left side of your neck. Hold with slight pressure on a spot on the side of the neck.
Which artery passes between the scalene and the scalene?
The brachial plexus and subclavian artery pass between the anterior and middle scalenes, while the subclavian vein and phrenic nerve pass anteriorly to the anterior scalene as the muscle crosses over the first rib.
How to target scalene?
To target the posterior scalene, turn your face toward the arm that is pulling. To target the anterior scalene, turn your face away from the pulling arm.
When both medial scalenes contract, they flex the neck.?
When both medial scalenes contract, they flex the neck. These actions are similar to those of the anterior scalene because the attachment sites (origins and insertions) are located near one another.
What is the scalene muscle?
The scalene muscles are a muscle group in your neck. You have more than 100 muscles in your neck, head, and face area. The scalenes are made up of three pairs of muscles, with one set located on either side of your body. When the scalenes are healthy and working in a balanced way, they help support the upright posture of your cervical spine, ...
What muscle is used to flex the neck?
Like the anterior scalene, the medial scalene muscle is considered an accessory breathing muscle because it lifts the first rib during inhalation. When both medial scalenes contract, they flex the neck.
What does the anterior scalene do?
When acting only on one side of your neck, the anterior scalene can bend and rotate your neck. When both of your anterior scalenes work together, they flex (bend) your neck. The anterior scalene also lifts the first rib, but that’s a pretty subtle action that you might not be aware of while it’s happening.
Why is the posterior scalene muscle considered an accessory breathing muscle?
The posterior scalene muscle is considered an accessory breathing muscle because it lifts the second rib during inhalation.
How to stretch scalene?
Stretching your scalenes is important: 1 When you tilt your head to one side you will stretch your middle scalene on the other side. 2 As you stretch your middle scalene, looking up over the shoulder towards the opposite direction can stretch your anterior scalene. 3 As you stretch your middle scalene, looking down with your head turned towards the same side can help you stretch your posterior scalene.
What is a wry neck?
Torticollis. Torticollis, also known as wry neck, is a condition in which your neck muscles stay contracted in chronically shortened positions. 2 All of the scalene muscles are involved in torticollis. Sometimes torticollis occurs due to genetic factors that affect the nervous system.
