noun
- plural of scalenus; three muscles on each side of the neck that help with breathing and neck movement
Usage: anatomy
Examples
- The scaleni muscles assist in elevating the ribs during inspiration.
- Tension in the scaleni can cause neck pain and stiffness.
- Physical therapists often work on releasing tight scaleni muscles.
- The scaleni are divided into anterior, middle, and posterior groups.
- Injury to the scaleni can affect both breathing and neck mobility.