‖ scalenus Anat.
(skəˈliːnəs)
Pl. scaleni (-aɪ).
[mod.L. (sc. musculus), a. Gr. σκαληνός uneven, unequal, odd (number), scalene.]
One of a set of muscles of triangular form situated in the lower lateral region of the neck. Also attrib.
| 1704 J. Harris Lex. Techn. I, Scaleni, are three Muscles of the Thorax, so called from their Figure, having three unequal Sides. 1839–47 Todd's Cycl. Anat. III. 562/1 The scaleni..extending from the transverse processes to the first two ribs. 1873 Mivart Elem. Anat. ii. 71 In the Guinea Pig,..the first rib bears a little spinous tubercle for the attachment of the scalenus muscle. |