Anterior Scalene

Written by Max Bidewell

Last updated November 6, 2025
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Anterior Scalene - Podcast Version

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The anterior scalene is one of the scalene muscles of the neck. It is located deep to the sternocleidomastoid muscle on the lateral aspect of the neck.

  • 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).
  • Function: Elevation of the first rib. Ipsilateral contraction causes ipsilateral lateral flexion of the neck, and bilateral contraction causes anterior flexion of the neck.
  • Innervation: Anterior rami of C5-C6.
  • Blood Supply: Ascending cervical branch of inferior thyroid artery
Illustration of the anterior, middle, and posterior scalene muscles of the neck.

Fig 1
The anterior, middle and posterior scalene muscles of the neck

Pro Feature - 3D Model