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
