MuscleNeck — lateral
Posterior scalene
Latin: M. scalenus posterior
Location: Neck
View the posterior scalene in 3DOrigin
Posterior tubercles of C4–C6.
Insertion
Outer surface of the second rib.
Action
Weak neck side-bender; elevates the second rib in deep inspiration.
Nerve supply
Anterior rami of C6–C8.
Blood supply
Ascending and superficial cervical arteries.
Clinical relevance
Rarely a solo clinical actor, it completes the scalene mass palpated in thoracic outlet examination.
Educational anatomy reference, not medical advice. About this content.