96 OF THE MUSCLES. 



They have but little vascularity, and hence are not readily 

 absorbed ; consequently the necessity of releasing pus when 

 beneath fascia, which is nothing but expanded tendon with 

 another name. A certain degree of pulling is necessary 

 for their well being ; but any tension beyond this creates 

 pain, and tendons, when distended or sprained, are accom- 

 panied with exquisite torture ; therefore we are assured 

 tendons are possessed of vitality ; as their granulating and 

 ultimately joining when divided further convinces us. They 

 are of various forms ; and the substance of which they are 

 composed is called cellular tissue, which is largely distri- 

 buted throughout the body. 



Levator humeri {Plate II. 12). 'Arises from the mastoid 

 process of the petrous temporal bone ; from the wing of the 

 atlas; from the posterior of the dentator; from the transverse 

 processes of the third, fourth, and fifth cervical vertebrae ; 

 and the lower portion of the ligamentum nuchse. Is inserted 

 into the humerus ; to gain which it passes between the flexor 

 brachii and humeralis muscles, being also connected with the 

 brachial fascia. Action : we have named the origins and 

 insertion, but this muscle has no fixed point. When the 

 head is fixed it will draw the anterior extremity forward ; 

 when the legs are fixed one muscle contracting will pull the 

 head to that side, or both muscles acting will curve the neck 

 downward. 



Latissimus dorsi {Plate II. h). Origin : by fine tendons 

 from the fascia lumborum, and the ligamentum supra spi- 

 nalis ; and as far forward as the third dorsal spine. In- 

 sertion : into the inner side of the humerus, by tendon, 

 which joins that of the teres internus muscle. Action : to 

 retract the humerus, and aid in bracing the muscles of 

 the back. 



Trapezius {Plate II. a). Arises partly by tendon, partly by 

 fibre, from the summit of the second, extending as far back 

 as the fourteenth dorsal spine. Insertion : by tendon into 

 the spine of the scapula. Action : this muscle is very 

 useful in drawing the scapula upwards and backwards ; and, 

 therefore, must be a powerful assistant in progression. 



Rhomboideus is one muscle, though generally described 

 as two, a longus and a brevis. Arises from the ligamentum 



