Posterior Scalene Muscle, Gross Anatomy

Description

Presented from a posterior aspect of the male neck and upper thorax, the deep posterior compartment is opened to expose semispinalis cervicis spanning from the transverse processes of T1 to T6 toward the spinous processes of C2 to C5, lying medial to the more lateral transversospinales and deep to the splenius cervicis when intact. Laterally, the posterior scalene (scalenus posterior) occupies the posterolateral cervical wall, descending from the posterior tubercles of the mid cervical transverse processes toward its attachment on the external surface of the second rib, posterior to the middle scalene and anterior to levator scapulae. Cervical vertebrae and upper thoracic spinous processes form the midline scaffold. Fiber direction is clear. This posterior exposure matters when teaching how muscular layers relate to the cervical spine and to regional anesthesia landmarks in the scalene compartment, where the phrenic nerve runs on the anterior scalene and the brachial plexus emerges between the anterior and middle scalenes while the posterior scalene sits just posterior to that interval. Neck pain patterns often trace to the deep extensors, and semispinalis cervicis is a common generator in cervical facet mediated pain and whiplash associated disorders, where targeted palpation and injections depend on understanding its segmental attachments. The rib insertion of the posterior scalene also anchors discussion of thoracic outlet syndrome variants and first or second rib mechanics during respiration. Use this artwork for gross anatomy and musculoskeletal modules covering the cervical region, for neurology or pain medicine teaching sets on deep neck musculature, or for surgical education illustrating posterior cervical approaches where muscle splitting and retraction planes must respect segmental innervation. It also fits physiotherapy and sports medicine publications discussing cervical extension, rotation, and postural loading in the upper back. Anatomical accuracy verified by SciePro's Medical Advisory Board.