MUSCULAR SYSTEM. 105 



far forward as the occiput, and as far backward as the fourth or 

 fifth dorsal spine: inferiorly, to the transverse processes of all the 

 cervical vertebrae, and to the mastoid process of the temporal 

 bone. 



Relations. — Internally, with the aponeurosis of the pannicu- 

 lus upon the side of the neck, with part of the levator humeri 

 near the head, and with part of the serratus magnus near the 

 shoulder; along its inferior border runs the levator humeri ; and 

 internally, with the complexus major, obliquus capitis inferior, 

 and transversalis colli : which last-mentioned muscle is in places 

 inseparably embodied with it. 



Structure. — Superior attachments, tendinous and fleshy; infe- 

 rior ones, fleshy ; excepting that separate flattened tendons fix it 

 to the atlas and head : the intermediate parts are thick and sub- 

 stantial, and fleshy. 



Direction. — Oblique ; downwards and forwards : the anterior 

 fibres incline more to a longitudinal course. 



Action. — Both muscles acting simultaneously, they will firmly 

 erect the head and neck : one acting by itself, will incline these 

 parts to one side. 



COMPLEXUS MAJOR. — Dor&o-occipilalis. 



Situation. — Deep-seated : underneath the former muscle. 



Form. — An extended triangle : broad, posteriorly ; narrow, 

 anteriorly ; flattened ; thick in substance, in the middle. 



Attachments. — Posteriorly, to the spines of the four or five 

 anterior dorsal vertebrae ; also to the transverse processes of the 

 same : anteriorly, to the tubercle of the occiput. 



Relations. — On the outer side with the splenius; on the inner 

 side, with the ligamentum colli, with the complexus minor, and 

 also with the posterior cervical artery and vein, and the 3d, 4th, 

 and 5th cervical nerves. Its posterior or aponeurotic part is in- 

 cluded between the longissimus and spinalis dorsi ; its tendon, 

 fixed to the occiput is subcutaneous. 



Direction. — Longitudinal : the fasciculi coming from the cer- 

 vical vertebrae inclining upwards and forwards. 



Structure. — The dorsal portion is aponeurotic. Its fleshy 

 belly is intersected by narrow slips of tendon ; and near the 

 head ends in a flat tendon. 



Actio)!. — This muscle will forcibly erect the head, and have 

 the eflect of protruding the nose; or, going beyond this, it will 

 conduce to that appearance called i\\e ewe neck ; m which (latter) 

 operation it co-acts with the splenius. 



