Where is the interscalene space located and how is it formed?
The space is located between the anterior and middle scalene muscles.
Boundaries:
- Anteriorly: anterior scalene muscle (m. scalenus anterior).
- Posteriorly: middle scalene muscle (m. scalenus medius).
Fascial cover: The space is covered by the prevertebral fascia (V fascia according to Shevkunenko's classification). This fascia forms sheaths for the scalene muscles, which originate from the transverse processes of the cervical vertebrae. Extensions of the prevertebral fascia pass onto the trunks of the nerve plexuses and the subclavian artery, forming sheaths for them.
What passes through the interscalene space?
The neurovascular structures located inside the space are:
- Subclavian artery (a. subclavia) — enters the space at the level of the 1st rib. Its second topographical part is located inside the space. Passing here, the artery forms the groove for the subclavian artery (sulcus a. subclaviae) on the upper surface of the 1st rib.
- Costocervical trunk (truncus costocervicalis) — a branch of the second part of the subclavian artery.
- Cervical plexus (plexus cervicalis) — its structures are formed within the space.
- Brachial plexus (plexus brachialis) — is also formed in this space.
Topography and adjacent structures
The interscalene space is connected to other topographical formations of the neck:
- Antescalene space (spatium antescalenum) — located anterior to the anterior scalene muscle.
- First part of the subclavian artery — the segment of the vessel from its origin to the entrance into the interscalene space. At this stage, the thyrocervical trunk (truncus thyrocervicalis) branches off from the artery — a short vessel (1–1.5 cm) originating from the anterosuperior wall of the artery before it enters the space.
- Third part of the subclavian artery — begins at the lateral border of the anterior scalene muscle and extends to the clavicle. The length of the second, third, and fourth parts of the artery is 5–7 cm on both the right and left sides.
- Prevertebral cellular space — a closed space located posterior to the V fascia. It is filled with the longus capitis and longus colli muscles and is bounded laterally by the transverse processes of the cervical vertebrae.
Class and exam questions
Which fascia covers the interscalene space?
The space is covered by the prevertebral layer — the V fascia of the neck according to Shevkunenko's classification.
Which part of the subclavian artery is located in the interscalene space?
The second topographical part of the subclavian artery (a. subclavia) is located inside the space.
Which nerve plexuses are formed in this space?
The cervical (plexus cervicalis) and brachial (plexus brachialis) plexuses are formed within the interscalene space.
Where does the thyrocervical trunk branch off relative to the interscalene space?
The thyrocervical trunk (truncus thyrocervicalis) branches off from the subclavian artery before it enters the interscalene space, belonging to the first part of the artery.
What else to study on this topic
- Prevertebral fascia of the neck
- Subclavian artery (a. subclavia)
- Antescalene space (spatium antescalenum)
- Brachial plexus (plexus brachialis)
Study the complete topic in the Anatomy course
This is a summary. The course covers everything tested in classes and exams.
- Complete study guide on "Interscalene space" and 1,363 other subject pages
- Assignments and quizzes after every topic — just like in a colloquium
- AI tutor answers questions on the topic anytime
- 295 video lessons by subject
Other topics in the "Anatomical Structures" section
Entire "Anatomical Structures" sectionFree video lessons: AnatomyShort lessons with study notes — no registration required.
Prepared by WhiteCoat Pro faculty in accordance with the medical school curriculum. For educational purposes only.