490 MUSCLES ON POSTERIOR NECK AND BACK. 



from the posterior third of the crest of the ilium, and by 

 fleshy slips from the three or four lower ribs. The fibres 

 from this extensive origin converge towards the axilla, so 

 as to form its posterior fold ; and thence go to be inserted by 

 a broad, thick tendon, into the lower part of the posterior 

 edge of the bicipital groove of the humerus. As this mus- 

 cle ascends, it passes over the inferior angle of the scapula, 

 where a bursa is found interposed, and where also a fasci- 

 culus of fibres often connects the two. At this point it is 

 behind the teres major, but as it proceeds it winds around 

 this muscle so as to get in front. The two tendons are 

 closely connected, but separated by a bursa. 



Function. To draw the arm downward and backward. 

 It can also depress the shoulder and rotate the humerus in- 

 wards, and if the shoulders be fixed it can elevate the ribs 

 and assist in inspiration. 



The second layer consists of three muscles. 



Bliomboideus minor. Dissection. Cut through the trape- 

 zius along its spinal attachment, and reflect towards the 

 shoulder, which will expose the rhomboidei. This is a nar- 

 now muscle, and seems more properly to form a part of the 

 next, the rhomboideus major, with which it is so intimately 

 blended. It arises by a thin tendon from the two or three 

 lower cervical spines, passes obliquely down and is inserted 

 into the base of the scapula opposite its spine. 



The rhomboideus major arises tendinous from the four su- 

 perior dorsal spines, passes down parallel and in connection 

 with the rhomboideus minor, and is inserted into all the 

 base of the scapula from its spine to the inferior angle. 

 These two muscles receive their name from their quadri- 

 lateral figure. 



Function. To draw the shoulder backward and upward 

 toward the spine. 



The levator anguli scapulae is situated at the upper and 

 posterior side of the neck, between the anterior margin of 

 the trapezius and the posterior margin of the sterno-cleido- 

 mastoideus. It arises by distinct and rounded tendons from 

 the transverse processes of the four or five superior cervical 



