LATERAL .CERVICAL GROUP. 187 



and spinalis dorsi. The superior cervical artery passes through 

 its divisions posteriorly. 



Action. — It extends the head. 



COMPLEXUS MINOR. 



(Axoido-occipitalis Longus.) 



(Fig. 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 nuchas. 



Action. — To assist the complexus major. 



RECTUS CAPITIS POSTICUS MAJOR. 

 {Axoido-occipitalis Brevis.) 

 (Fig. 74. d.) 



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

 fusiform. 



Origin. — From the neural spine of the dentata. 



Insertion. — To 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. 



(Atloido-occipitalis Brevis.) 



(Fig. 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 nuchse. 



Action. — It assists the preceding muscle. 



