406 MUSCLES. 



of its close connexion with it, and of its insignificant size. At 

 its lower part, it is absolutely a portion of the longissimus, and 

 can be separated from it only by a forced division. It is a mere 

 string lying along the sides of the spinous processes, and is called, 

 from its origin and insertion, the Spinalis Dorsi. 



It arises tendinous from the spinous processes of the two supe- 

 rior lumbar, and of the three inferior dorsal vertebrae, and is in- 

 serted, tendinous, into tho spinous processes of the nine superior 

 dorsal vertebrae, except the first. 



It tends to keep the spine erect. 



The Cervicalis Descendens, 



Is a small muscle placed at the upper portion of the thorax, 

 between the insertions of the sacro-lumbalis, and of the longis- 

 simus dorsi into the upper ribs; it looks, at first, very much 

 like a continuation or appendix of the first, running to the cer- 

 vical vertebra?. 



This muscle arises from the upper edges of the four superior 

 ribs by long tendons: it forms a small belly, which is inserted 

 by three distinct tendons into the transverse processes of the 

 fourth, fifth, and sixth vertebrae of the neck, between the leva- 

 tor scapulae and splenius colli. 



It draws the neck backwards. 



The Transversalis Cervicis, 



Is on the inner side of the last, and in contact with it, being 

 about the same size, and having very much the same course 

 and appearance. It is considered as an appendage to the lon- 

 gissimus dorsi. 



It arises from the transverse processes of the five superior 

 dorsal vertebrae by distinct tendons, and forms a narrow fleshy 

 belly, which is inserted by distinct tendons, also, in the trans- 

 verse processes of the five middle cervical vertebrae. 



It draws the head backwards. 



