The Probert Encyclopaedia of Medicine

SCALENE MUSCLES

The scalene muscles (the scalenus posticus, the scalenus medius, scalenus minimus, and the scalenus anticus) work together to aid in breathing. During inhalation, they lift the first and second rib. They also bend the spinal column to one side or the other. The scalenus posticus is the smallest of the three muscles, originating from the lower two or three cervical (neck) vertebrae and descends to insert into the second rib. The scalenus medius is the largest and longest of the three muscles. It originates from the lower six cervical vertebrae and is inserted into the first rib. The scalenus anticus lies deep at the side of the neck, behind the sternomastoid. It originates from the third, fourth, fifth, and sixth cervical vertebrae and descends to the first rib. It also separates the subclavien artery and vein. The three scalene muscles are innervated by the cervical plexus and supplied by the cervical artery. The scalenus minimus is the smallest of the scalene muscles. It lies between the scalenus anticus and the scalenus medius, originating from the cervical vertebrae and descending to the first rib. This muscle is sometimes referred to as Sibson's muscle after the British anatomist Francis Sibson. It may also be referred to as Albinus' muscle after the German anatomist and surgeon Bernhard S. Albinus.
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