SCALENE MUSCLE Meaning and
Definition
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The scalene muscles are a group of three muscles located in the lateral cervical region, specifically in the neck. They include the anterior scalene, middle scalene, and posterior scalene muscles. The term "scalene" is derived from their uneven triangular shape, resembling a scalene triangle.
These muscles originate from various locations in the neck and attach to the upper ribs. The anterior scalene muscle originates from the anterior tubercles of the transverse processes of the third to sixth cervical vertebrae, and it inserts into the scalene tubercle on the first rib. The middle scalene muscle arises from the posterior tubercles of the transverse processes of the third to seventh cervical vertebrae and inserts into the first rib, posterior to the anterior scalene. Lastly, the posterior scalene muscle originates from the posterior tubercles of the transverse processes of the fifth to seventh cervical vertebrae, and it inserts into the second rib.
Functionally, the scalene muscles contribute to various movements of the neck and upper limbs. They act as accessory inspiratory muscles, aiding in elevating the upper ribs during deep inhalation. Additionally, they assist in lateral flexion or side-bending of the neck, rotation of the head to the opposite side, and flexion of the cervical spine. Dysfunction or tightness in the scalene muscles can lead to muscle imbalances, restricted neck movements, and even compression of nerves or blood vessels in the region, causing symptoms such as pain, numbness, or tingling sensations in the upper limb.
Common Misspellings for SCALENE MUSCLE
- acalene muscle
- zcalene muscle
- xcalene muscle
- dcalene muscle
- ecalene muscle
- wcalene muscle
- sxalene muscle
- svalene muscle
- sfalene muscle
- sdalene muscle
- sczlene muscle
- scslene muscle
- scwlene muscle
- scqlene muscle
- scakene muscle
- scapene muscle
- scaoene muscle
- scalwne muscle
- scalsne muscle
Etymology of SCALENE MUSCLE
The word "scalene" originates from the Latin word "scalenus", which in turn derives from the Greek word "skalenos". "Skalenos" means "uneven" or "crooked". The name was chosen due to the asymmetrical shape of the scalene muscles, specifically the scalenus anterior, scalenus medius, and scalenus posterior muscles, which are all slightly different in size and orientation.
Similar spelling word for SCALENE MUSCLE
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