MUSCLES OF THE BACK. 351 



' 1. Serratus Posticus Inferior, 



Arises , by a broad thin tendon, in common with thatj3f the 

 latissimus dorsi, from the spinal process of the two inferior 

 vertebrae of the back, and from the three superior vertebrae of 

 the loins. 



Inserted into the lower edge of the four inferior ribs, at a 

 little distance from their cartilages, by as many distinct fleshy 

 slips. 



Use. To depress the ribs into which it is inserted. 



2. Rhomboideus. 



This muscle is divided into two portions. 



1. Rhomboideus major, arises, tendinous, from the spinous 

 processes of the five superior vertebrae of the back. 



Inserted into all the basis of the scapula below its spine. 

 Use. To draw the scapula obliquely upwards, and directly 

 inwards. 



2. Rhomboideus minor, arises, tendinous, from the spinous 

 processes of the three inferior vertebrae of the neck, and from 

 the ligamentum nuchae. 



Inserted into the base of the scapula, opposite to its spine. 

 Use. To assist the former. 

 On the neck : 



3. Splenius, 



Arises, tendinous, from the four superior spinous processes 

 of the vertebrae of the back : tendinous and fleshy, from the 

 five inferior of the neck, and adheres firmly to the ligamen- 

 tum nuchae. At the third vertebra of the neck, the splenii 

 recede from each other, so that part of the complexus muscle is 

 seen. 



Inserted, by as many tendons, into the five superior transverse 

 processes of the vertebrae of the neck ; and tendinous and 

 fleshy, into the superior part of the mastoid process, and into the 

 os occipitis, where it joins with the root of that process. 



Use. To bring the head and upper vertebrae of the neck 



