ANTERIOR YERTEBRAL REGION. 2C7 



gastric nerve. By its posterior surface, with, the Longus colli, the Rectus anticus 

 minor, and the upper cervical vertebrae. 



The Rectus Capitis Anticus Minor is a short flat muscle, situated immediately 

 beneath 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 ; passing 

 obliquely upwards and inwards, it is inserted into the basilar process immediately 

 behind the preceding muscle. 



Relations. By its anterior surface, with the Rectus anticus major. By its 

 posterior surface, with the front of the occipito-atlantal articulation. Externally, 

 with the superior cervical ganglion of the sympathetic. 



The Rectus Lateralis is a short, flat muscle, situated between the transverse 

 process of the atlas and the jugular process of the occipital bone. It arises from 

 the upper surface of the transverse process of the atlas, and is inserted into the 

 under surface of the jugular process of the occipital bone. 



Relations. By its anterior surface, with the internal jugular vein. By its 

 posterior surface, with the vertebral artery. 



Fig. 158. The Pre-vertebral Muscles. 



The Longus Colli is a long, flat muscle, situated on the anterior surface of the 

 spine, between the atlas and the third dorsal vertebra, being broad in the middle, 

 narrow and pointed at each extremity. It consists of three portions, a superior 

 oblique, an inferior oblique, and a vertical portion. 



The superior oblique portion arises from the anterior tubercles of the transverse 

 processes of the third, fourth, and fifth cervical vertebral ; and, ascending obliquely 

 inwards, is inserted by a narrow tendon into the tubercle on the anterior arch of 

 the atlas. 



The inferior oblique portion, the smallest part of the muscle, arises from the 



