196 PR^EVERTEBRAL MUSCLES. 



side ; and is inserted into the posterior border of the thyroid cartilage. 

 This muscle is broad above where it forms the whole thickness of the 

 lower half of the soft palate, narrow in the posterior pillar, and again broad 

 and thin in the pharynx where it spreads out previously to its insertion. 



Relations. In the soft palate it is in relation with the mucous membrane 

 both by its anterior and posterior surface ; above, with the muscular layer 

 formed by the levator palati, and below with the mucous glands situated 

 along the margin of the arch of the palate. In 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 pharyngeal 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 draw- 

 ing down the soft palate they serve to press the mass of food from the 

 dorsum of the tongue into the pharynx. 



Seventh Group. Pravertebral 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 vertebras, 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, sympathetic nerve, 

 pneumogastric, and spinal accessory nerve. By its posterior surface with 

 the longus colli, rectus anticus minor, and superior cervical vertebras. 



The RECTUS ANTICUS MINOR arises from the anterior border of the la- 

 teral 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 occipital bone 

 with the atlas, and with the anterior occipito-atloid ligament. 



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 vertebras, and is in- 

 serted into the tubercle upon the inner border of the first rib. 



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

 hyoid muscle, with the cervicalis superficialis and posterior scapular artery, 



