MUSCULAR SVSTEM. 107 



SliKclure. — The posterior part consists of pale delicate fasci- 

 culi : the anterior is tendinous. 



Action. — To assist the complexus major in its operation. 



RECTUS CAPITIS POSTICUS MAJOR. — Axoido-occipUalis Brevis. 



Situation. — Underneath, and rather to the outer side of the 

 former muscle. 



Attachment. — To the spine of the vertebra dentata ; and to 

 a scabrous depression in the occiput, below its tubercle. 



Relations. — Superiorly, with the complexus minor; inferiorly, 

 with the next muscle : to the outer side, with the obliquus capitis 

 superior. 



Action. — To pull the head backwards; in doing which, it will 

 assist in the protrusion of the nose. 



RECTUS CAPITIS POSTICUS MINOR. — Atloido-occipitalis 

 Parvus. 



Situation. — Underneath the preceding muscle. 



Figure. — Quadrilateral. 



Attachment. — To the superior part of the atlas, and to the 

 occiput. 



Relations. — Superiorly, with the preceding muscle ; inferiorly, 

 with the capsular ligament of the occipital joint; on the outer 

 side, with the obliquus superior; on the inner, with the ligamen- 

 tum colli. 



Structure. — Entirely fleshy ; consisting of pale delicate fibres. 



Action. — To chuck up the head suddenly; and, at the same 

 time, to save the capsular ligament from being pinched between 

 the occiput and atlas. 



OBLIQUUS CAPITIS SUPERIOR. — Atluido-mustoideus. 



Situation. — Upon the side of the poll. 



Figure. — Nearly square. 



Attachment. — To the superior border of the transverse process 

 of the atlas ; and to a ridge extending, laterally, from the tu- 

 bercle of the occiput to the mastoid process of the temporal bone. 



Relations. — Externally, with the tendon of the splenius ; in- 

 ternally, with the capsular ligament of the axoido-occipital ar- 

 ticulation ; and on the inner side, with the rectus major and liga- 

 mentum colli. 



Structure. — Fleshy, with one or two tendinous intersections. 



Direction. — Oblique; upwards and forwards. 



Action. — Both muscles operating, they will draw back the 

 head, and at the same time elevate it: one alone acting, will turn 

 the head to one side. 



