LATERAL CERVICAL GROUP. 187 



and spinalis dorsi. The superior cervical aitery passes through 

 its divisions posteriorly. 



Action. — It extends the head. 



COMPLEXUS MINOR. 

 {A xoido-occipitalis Longus. ) 

 (Fig. 74. c.) 

 Situated on the poll, it is fusiform, slender, and fleshy, being 

 tendinous at its insertion. 



Origin. — From the neural spine of the dentata. 

 Insertion. — With the tendon of the complexus major. 

 Relation. — Externally with the complexus major ; inferiorly 

 with the rectus capitis posticus major ; internally with the liga- 

 mentum nuchse. 



Action. — To assist the complexus major. 



RECTUS CAPITIS POSTICUS MAJOR. 

 (^Axoido-occvpitalis Brevis.) 

 (Fig. 74. d.) 

 Situated below the complexus minor, it is long, slender, and 

 fusiform. 



Origin. — From the neural spine of the dentata. 

 Insertion. — To a roughened depression on the occiput below 

 its tubercle. 



Relation. — Externally Avith the complexus major ; inferiorly 

 with the rectus capitis posticus minor. 

 Action. — To extend the head. 



RECTUS CAPITIS POSTICUS MINOR. 

 [A tloido-occipitcdis Brevis. ) 

 (Fig. 74. e.) 

 Situated below the preceding, this muscle is small, flat, and 

 somewhat triangular. 



Origin. — From the supero-anterior part of the atlas. 

 Insertion. — Below that of the preceding muscle. 

 Relation. — Superiorly with the major ; inferiorly with the 

 capsular ligament ; externally with the obliquus capitis anticus ; 

 internally with the ligamentum nuchte. 

 Action. — It assists the preceding muscle. 



