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Scalenius posterior

Contents

Anatomy

Scalenius posterior

General information

  • This section is strictly limited to anatomy, you might be looking for clinical relevant information which is found under the clinical chapters -- muscles section, click here to go to that page

Position

  • Partly superficial

Origin

  • Processus transversi C5-C7

Insertion

  • 2nd rib

Main function

  • Neck
    • Lateral flexion
  • 2nd rib
    • Elevation

Nerve innervation

  • C6-C8

Arterial supply

  • Transverse cervical artery

Palpation

  • Patient position
    • Sitting
  • Palpate and localize the lateral aspect of sternocleidomastoideus
  • Follow the lateral limitation of sternocleidomastoideus inferiorly in the direction of clavicula
  • Have the patient make fast short breaths through the tnose while your feel for contraction-like activity above the clavicula, you should be able to feel the scalenius anterior and middle scaleni
  • Palpate further posteriorly to locate the scaleni posterior
  • Seperate between the scaleni posterior and levator scapula by having the patient alternate deep breaths (function of scalenis elevation of upper ribs) and elevation of the scapula (function of the levator scapula)