Anterior Scalene Muscle, Lateral View

Description

Arising from the anterior tubercles of the C3 to C6 transverse processes, the anterior scalene descends obliquely and is seen deep to the sternocleidomastoid, running inferiorly and laterally toward its insertion on the first rib at the scalene tubercle. In this lateral female neck and upper torso view, the muscle sits posterior to the clavicular head of sternocleidomastoid and deep to the platysma, while the temporalis and masseter frame the mandibular ramus superiorly and the occipitofrontalis caps the scalp. Posterior to the anterior scalene, the expected plane of the middle scalene defines the interscalene interval along the lateral cervical wall. Clinically, the anterior scalene is a key landmark for the scalene triangle, where the subclavian artery and brachial plexus trunks pass posterior to it, a relationship that underlies neurogenic and arterial thoracic outlet syndrome from scalene hypertrophy or fibrous bands. The subclavian vein, by contrast, courses anterior to the anterior scalene, a practical distinction when teaching infraclavicular venous access and why certain catheter trajectories risk pleural dome injury. Small nerve relationships matter here too: the phrenic nerve typically descends on the anterior surface of the anterior scalene, a point that explains hemidiaphragmatic paresis after an interscalene brachial plexus block. Use this artwork for head and neck anatomy teaching in medical and allied health curricula, for operative anatomy figures in anesthesia texts covering interscalene and supraclavicular regional blocks, or for patient-facing education on thoracic outlet syndrome and scalene stretching. It also reads well in cervical myofascial pain references where sternocleidomastoid and deep lateral neck layers must be differentiated quickly. Anatomical accuracy verified by SciePro's Medical Advisory Board.