PR^EVERTEBRAL MUSCLES. 193 



the posterior pillar of the palate, it is surrounded for two-thirds of its 

 extent by mucous membrane. In the pharynx, it is in relation by its 

 outer surface with the superior and middle constrictor muscles, and by 

 its inner surface with the mucous membrane of the pharynx, the pha- 

 ryngeal fascia being interposed. 



Actions. The azygos uvulae shortens the uvula. The levator palati 

 raises the soft palate, while the tensor spreads it out laterally so as to 

 form a septum between the pharynx and posterior nares. Taking its 

 fixed point from below the tensor palati will dilate the Eustachian 

 tube. The palato-glossus and pharyngeus constrict the opening of the 

 fauces, and by drawing down the soft palate they serve to press the 

 mass of food from the dorsum of the tongue into the pharynx. 



Seventh Group. Pr&vertebral Muscles. 



Rectus anticus major, 

 Rectus anticus minor, 

 Scalenus anticus, 

 Scalenus posticus, 

 Longus colli. 



Dissection. These muscles have already been exposed by the 

 removal of the face from the anterior aspect of the vertebral column ; 

 all that is further needed is the removal of the fascia, by which they 

 are invested. 



The RECTUS ANTICUS MAJOR, broad and thick above, and narrow 

 and pointed below, arises from the anterior tubercles of the transverse 

 processes of the third, fourth, fifth, and sixth cervical vertebrae, and is 

 inserted into the basilar process of the occipital bone. 



Relations. By its anterior surface with the pharynx, the internal 

 carotid artery, internal jugular vein, superior cervical ganglion, sympa- 

 thetic nerve, pneumogastric, and spinal accessory nerve. By its pos- 

 terior surface with the longus colli, rectus anticus minor, and superior 

 cervical vertebrae. 



The RECTUS ANTICUS MINOR arises from the anterior border of the 

 lateral mass of the atlas, and is inserted into the basilar process ; its 

 fibres being directed obliquely upwards and inwards. 



Relations. By its anterior surface with the rectus anticus major, 

 and externally with the superior cervical ganglion of the sympathetic. 

 By its posterior surface with the articulation of the condyle of the oc- 

 cipital bone with the atlas, and with the anterior occipito-atloid liga- 

 ment. 



The SCALENUS ANTICUS is a triangular muscle, as its name implies, 

 situated at the root of the neck and appearing like a continuation of 

 the rectus anticus major ; it arises from the anterior tubercles of the 

 transverse processes of the third, fourth, fifth, and sixth cervical ver- 

 tebrae, and is inserted into the tubercle upon the inner border of the 

 first rib. 



Relations. By its anterior surface with the sterno-mastoid and 



