LATERAL CERVICAL GROUP. 187 



and spinalis dorsi. The superior cervical artery passes through 

 its divisions posteriorly. 



Action. It extends the head. 



COMPLEXUS MINOR. 

 (Axoido-occipitaHs Longus.) 



(Fie. 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 nuchaB. 



Action. To assist the complexus major. 



RECTUS CAPITIS POSTICUS MAJOR, 

 (Axoido-occipitalis Bre v iv>\ ) 



(Fie. 74. rf.) 



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

 fusiform. 



Origin. From the neural spine of the dentata, 

 Insertion. Tc a roughened depression on the occiput below 

 its tubercle. 



Relation. Externally with the complexus major ; inferiorly 

 with the rectus capitis posticus minor. 

 Action. To extend the head. 



RECTUS CAPITIS POSTICUS MINOR. 



( A tlo ido-occipitalis Bre vis. ) 



(Fie. 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 nuchae. 



Action. It assists the preceding muscle. 



