Definition

1. Noun:
   • A neck muscle involved in movement and breathing: The scalenus is any of four pairs of muscles in the neck that extend from the cervical vertebrae to the second rib. These muscles are involved in moving the neck and assisting in the process of breathing.

Usage Examples

• Noun:
  • The anterior scalenus can become tight in people with poor posture.
  • During deep inhalation, the scalenus muscles help to elevate the upper ribs.
  • The doctor palpated the patient's scalenus to check for muscle spasms.

Advanced Usage

• "Scalenus anterior": Refers specifically to the front muscle of the scalene group.
  • The scalenus anterior is a key landmark in the neck for surgical procedures.
• "Scalenus medius": Refers specifically to the middle and largest muscle of the scalene group.
  • The brachial plexus passes between the scalenus anterior and scalenus medius.
• "Scalenus syndrome": A condition where the muscles compress nerves or blood vessels.
  • Thoracic outlet syndrome is sometimes related to scalenus syndrome.

Variants and Related Words

• Scalene muscles (n): Another term for the group of muscles including the scalenus.
  • The scalene muscles are deep neck flexors.
• Scalenectomy (n): A surgical procedure to remove part of a scalene muscle.
  • A scalenectomy may be performed to relieve nerve compression.

Synonyms

• Scalene muscle: The most direct synonym, referring to the same anatomical structure.

Notes

• The term is primarily used in medical, anatomical, and physiotherapy contexts. It is often used in its plural form, scaleni, when referring to the muscle group collectively.
• The muscles are specifically named: scalenus anterior, scalenus medius, scalenus posterior, and the sometimes-present scalenus minimus.

Noun

1. any of four pairs of muscles extending from the cervical vertebrae to the second rib; involved in moving the neck and in breathing