INFERIOR CERVICAL GROUP. 181 



RECTUS CAPITIS ANTICUS MINOR. 



(A tloido-suboccipitalis. ) 



(Fig. 75. c.) 



This, the short flexor of the head, is situated on the inner and 

 upper side of the preceding muscle, and is short, slender, and 

 almost entirely fleshy. 



Origin. — Posteriorly, from the lower part of the body of the 

 atlas. 



Insertion. — To the basilar process of the occipital, and body 

 of the sphenoid bone, by the preceding muscle. 



Relation. — Infero-externally with the rectus major ; supe- 

 riorly with the capsular ligament of the occipito-atloid articu- 

 lation. 



Action. — It assists in flexing the head. 



RECTUS CAPITIS LATERALIS. 



( A tloido-styloideus. ) 



(Fig. 75. h.) 



This muscle, still smaller than the last and like it in structure, 

 is placed rather more externally. 



Origin. — From the inferior part of the ring of the atlas, on 

 the outer side of the rectus minor. 



Insertion. — To the styloid process of the occipital bone. 



Relation. — Inferior ly with the rectus major ; superiorly with 

 the capsular ligament of the occipito-atloid articulation; exter- 

 nally with the parotid gland. 



Action. — It assists the preceding muscles. 



SCALENUS. 



(Costo-cervicalis. ) 



(Pl. IIL 6.) 



Situated at the postero-inferior part of the region, at the side 

 of the anterior aperture of the thoracic cavity, the scalenus is 

 triangular in shape, and divided into a superior or posterior, and 

 an inferior or anterior portion ; the fibres run forwards and 

 upwards, and form several fleshy masses, with strong tendinous 



