Tag: diana gabaldon

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Fun Fact: Scalene

Anatomy Def:  The scalene are three muscles of each side of the neck: anterior, middle and posterior scalenes. 

Outlander Def: Neck muscles grip at the sight of a stone long dispatched to a galaxy far, far way away! How did it get around Claire’s neck?

Learn about the scalene muscles in Anatomy Lesson #12, “Claire’s Neck” or “The Ivory Tower.”  

In Greek, scalene means “uneven” because each muscle is different in length. Anterior and middle scalene muscles lift the first rib and tilt the head to the same side. Posterior scalene lifts the second rib and tilts the head to the same side. Ergo, right scalenes tilt head to the right – left scalenes, to the left. Scalenes are classified as (secondary) muscles of respiration because lifting the ribs expands the rib cage.

The artery (subclavian) and nerves (brachial plexus) to the upper limb pass between anterior and middle scalene muscles. Muscular compression of these structures can contribute to thoracic outlet syndrome, wherein the sufferer experiences some combination of pain, tingling, weakness, paleness, and/or coldness of the upper limb.

Also, the scalene area may be targeted for regional anesthesia. A nerve block to this area is the interscalene block and may be performed prior to arm or shoulder surgery

Read about the neck in Drums of Autumn. Herself describes loads of neck stuff therein. Jamie’s teeth are mighty close to the scalene muscles in this, ahem, yummy scenario:

“He narrowed one eye and squinted dubiously at me. Then he reached up, took me delicately by the ear, and drew my head down, turning my face to the side. He flicked his tongue gently at the base of my throat, then lifted his head and set his teeth very softly in the tender flesh at the side of my neck.”

See Wahkatiiosta’s right anterior scalene muscle (red arrow) as she recognizes Otter Tooth’s necklace in Starz ep 413, A Man of Worth! Her anterior scalene is clearly visible because her neck is lean with little subcutaneous adipose (fat) tissue. 

A deeply grateful,

Outlander Anatomist

Photo credit: Starz

 

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FF Malleolus

Anatomy Def: Bony projection at either side of the ankle joint – shaped like the head of a hammer.

Outlander Def: Bree’s bruised and swollen knob (red arrow) at the outside of her ankle joint. Och!

Learn about the malleoli (pl.) in Anatomy Lesson #59, Sweet Feet.

Most folks refer to the knobs on each side of the ankle as “ankle bones.” However, each is the knobby end of a leg bone. The outside knob or lateral malleolus is the distal end of the fibula and the inside knob or medial malleolus is the distal end of the tibia. Together, both bony ends form a box-like space into which fits the talus, a bone of the foot and, voilà, I give you the ankle joint! 

Walking, running, jumping or falling (and more) stresses the ligaments securing these bones.  Stretching or tearing the ligaments and associated blood vessels produces various degrees of ankle sprain. 

Bree’s injury involves ligaments around her lateral malleolus and is likely a level II ankle sprain. Symptoms are:

  • moderate pain ✅
  • swelling ✅
  • bruising ✅
  • tenderness to touch ✅
  • painful walking ✅ 

Watch again and see if Bree demos all the above. Yep, she does! All the symptoms are present, so verra likely a Level II. Puir lass! 

Read: Bree doesn’t sprain her ankle in Drums of Autumn (DOA), but Diana does write about ankles……other people’s ankles, that is: 

I shifted my glassy gaze from the hairy ankles in front of my nose, to the roof overhead. Sure enough, torchlight revealed the black line of a split in one shingle, with a spreading dark patch of dampness on the underside.

The above quote is from a very funny scene in DOA, but to reveal more would be a spoiler for some.  Grand advice: read the books!

See Bree’s sprained ankle and appreciate the painful injury of her lateral malleolus in Starz ep 407, Down the Rabbit Hole.

Naturally, her sprain leads to even more peril at the hands of Laoghaire. Gah! Talk about adding insult to injury!

The deeply grateful

Outlander Anatomist