THE ANTERIOR VERTEBRAL REGION 



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7. The Anterior Vertebral Region (Fig. 309). 



Rectus capitis anticus major. 

 Rectus capitis anticus minor. 



Rectus capitis lateralis. 

 Longus colli. 



The Rectus capitis anticus major (m. longus capitis), broad and thick above 

 and narrow below, appears like a continuation upward of the Scalenus anticus. 

 It arises by four tendinous slips from the anterior tubercles of the transverse 

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

 converging toward its fellow of the opposite side, to be inserted into the basilar 

 process of the occipital bone. 



Relations. By its deep surface, this muscle is in relation with the pharynx, the inferior cer- 

 vical sympathetic ganglion and nerve, and the sheath enclosing the internal and common carotid 

 artery, internal jugular vein, and vagus nerve; by its superficial surface, with the Longus colli, 

 the Rectus capitis anticus minor, and the upper cervical vertebrae. 



FIG. 309. The prevertebral muscles (ventral view). 



The Rectus capitis anticus minor (m. rectus capitis anterior) is a short, flat 

 muscle, situated immediately behind the upper part of the preceding. It arises 

 from the anterior surface of the lateral mass of the atlas and from the root of its 

 transverse process, and, passing obliquely upward and inward, is inserted into 

 the basilar process immediately behind the rectus capitis anticus major. 



The Rectus capitis lateralis (m. rectus capitis lateralis) is a short, flat muscle, 

 which arises from the upper surface of the transverse process of the atlas and is 



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