RHOMBOIDEI. 199 



wards, with the erector spinae, serratus posticus inferior, intercostal 

 muscles and ribs, rhomboideus major, inferior angle of the scapula and 

 teres major. The latissimus dorsi, with the teres major, forms the 

 posterior border of the axilla. 



Second Layer. 



Dissection. This layer is brought into view by dividing the two 

 preceding muscles near their insertion, and turning them to the op- 

 posite side. 



The LEVATOR ANGULI SCAPULA arises by distinct slips, from the 

 posterior tubercles of the transverse processes of the four upper cer- 

 vical vertebrae, and is inserted into the upper angle and posterior bor- 

 der of the scapula, as far as the triangular smooth surface at the root 

 of its spine. 



Relations. By its superficial surface with the trapezius, sterno- 

 mastoid, and integument. By its deep surface with the splenius colli, 

 transversalis colli, cervicalis ascendens, scalenus posticus, and serratus 

 posticus superior. The tendons of origin are interposed between the 

 attachments of the scalenus posticus in front and the splenius colli 

 behind. 



The RHOMBOIDEUS MINOR (rhombus, a parallelogram with four 

 equal sides) is a narrow slip of muscle, detached from the rhomboideus 

 major by a slight cellular interspace. It arises from the spinous pro- 

 cess of the last cervical vertebra and ligamentum nuchse, and is in- 

 serted into the edge of the triangular surface, on the posterior border 

 of the scapula. 



The RHOMBOIDEUS MAJOR arises from the spinous processes of the 

 four upper dorsal vertebrae and from the inter-spinous ligaments ; it is 

 inserted into the posterior border of the scapula as far as its inferior 

 angle. The upper and middle portion of the insertion is effected by 

 means of a tendinous band which is attached in a longitudinal direc- 

 tion to the posterior border of the scapula. 



Relations. By their superficial surface the two rhomboid muscles 

 are in relation with the trapezius, and the rhomboideus major with 

 the latissimus dorsi and integument. By their deep surface they 

 cover in the serratus posticus superior, part of the erector spinae, the 

 intercostal muscles and ribs. 



the splenius is seen attached to the spinous processes below the lower border of 

 the rhomboideus major. 15. The vertebral aponeurosis. 16. The serratus 

 posticus inferior. 17. The supra-spinatus muscle. 18. The infra -spinatus. 

 1Q. The teres minor muscle. 20. The teres major. 21. The long head of the 

 triceps, passing between the teres minor and major to the upper arm. 22. The 

 serratus magnus, proceeding forwards from its origin at the base of the sca- 

 pula. 23. The internal oblique muscle. 



