LATERAL CERVICAL GROUP. 189 



Origin. — From the lateral surface and superior spine of the 

 dentata, and the capsular ligament. 



Insertion. — To the upper surface of the wing and body of the 

 atlas. 



Relation. — Externally with the splenius, trachelo-mastoideus, 

 and complexus major ; internally with the atlas, axis, and the atlo- 

 axoid capsular ligament ; superiorly with the rectus posticus, and 

 inferiorly with the rectus anticus major muscles. 



Action. — It is the rotator muscle of the head. 



SPINALIS COLLL 

 {Dorso-spinalis. ) 



Deep-seated on the side of the neck, it consists of six short 

 fleshy bundles, intersected by tendons, whose fibres extend 

 obliquely upwards and inwards. 



Origin. — Posteriorly, from the oblique processes of the first 

 dorsal and the last five cervical vertebrae. 



Insertion. — To the neural spines of all the cervical vertebrae 

 but the first. 



Relation. — ^Externally with the complexus major and trachelo- 

 mastoideus ; internally with the ligamentum nuchae and the 

 vertebrae. 



Action. — To extend and curve the neck. 



Intertransversalis Colli. 



(Intercervicalis. ) 

 (Fig. 73. c c c c.) 



Placed along the lateral part of the cervical vertebrae, it 

 ■consists of six distinct bundles with strong tendinous intersections, 

 the fibres passing obliquely outwards and upwards. 



Origin. — The oblique process of one vertebra. 



Insertion. — The transverse process of the vertebra in front, 

 filling up the interspaces of all, excepting those of the first and 

 second. 



Relation. — With several deep-seated muscles of the neck, the 

 vertebrae, the vertebral artery, and vein. 



Action. — To assist in flexing the neck laterally. 



