Scalenus anterior

The Musculus scalenus anterior ( Latin for "front fin retainers muscle "; scalene, Latin: wrong, scalene ), called with animals musculus scalenus ventralis, is a skeletal muscle in the depth of the neck, which draws from the cervical vertebrae to the first rib. In predators the muscle is not formed. The Musculus scalenus medius pulls in unilateral contraction of the neck to one side, the muscles on both sides contract, the neck is pulled down.

Between musculus scalenus anterior and scalenus medius musculus ( " posterior scalene ") is the brachial plexus in man and the subclavian artery in the armpit.

Anterior scalene muscle and sternocleidomastoid muscle form the " front scalene ". Through them, the subclavian vein pulls medially to unite in the venous angle with the internal jugular vein to the brachiocephalic vein.

Clinical Significance

When narrowing of the (usually rear ) scalene it comes to Skalenussyndrom. It is by pushing the pulling through the brachial plexus pain on the inside of the forearm and the little finger side of the hand. In addition, the circulation is compromised by the respective artery ( subclavian artery ), the blood pressure can be lowered and a blue discoloration lead ( cyanosis).

In the interscalene block, a regional anesthetic procedures, the brachial plexus is stunned in the rear scalene, making surgical procedures on the arm and shoulder and after surgery an effective pain therapy are possible.