Which scalene is the least accessible for palpation?

• A. Anterior
• B. Middle
• C. Posterior
• D. Inferior

Answer: (C)

Access to the scalene muscles by touch depends on depth and overlaying tissues. The anterior scalene sits closest to the surface in the lower neck, just lateral to the sternocleidomastoid and near the clavicle, so you can feel it with relatively light palpation. The middle scalene is tucked behind the anterior scalene, deeper in the neck, making it harder to locate. The posterior scalene lies deepest and more posterior, beneath other muscles and fascia and near the brachial plexus and second rib, which makes it the most challenging to palpate. So the posterior scalene is the least accessible for palpation.