Noun: scalenus (scaleni) skey'lee-nus or sku'lee-nus
- Any of four pairs of muscles extending from the cervical vertebrae to the second rib; involved in moving the neck and in breathing
"The scalenus muscles assist in elevating the first two ribs during deep inhalation"; "The musculus scalenus muscles assist in elevating the first two ribs during deep inhalation";
- scalene muscle, musculus scalenus
Derived forms: scaleni
Type of: skeletal muscle, striated muscle
Encyclopedia: Scalenus