MUSCLES OF THE BODY. 135 
Acttion.—Raises the snout. 
M. rectus capitis posterior medius (Fig. 71, 2): (This 
is in man a part of the rectus capitis posterior major.)—lIt lies 
beneath the rectus capitis posterior major (Fig. 71, a). 
Fic. 71.—Drrp MuscLEs OF THE NECK, AFTER THE REMOVAL OF MM. BIVENTER 
CERVICIS AND COMPLEXUS. 
a, M. rectus capitis posterior major; 4, M. obliquus capitis inferior; ¢, M. semi- 
spinalis cervicis; d, M. rectus capitis posterior medius;e, M. obliquus capitis superior; 
J; M. longus atlantis; g, M. scalenus (part of cervical portion); 4, cut end of M. 
levator scapule. 
Origin from the cranial end of the axial spine. It forms a 
triangular prismatic mass which passes craniad and has its 
/nsertion into an elongated area on the occipital bone, 
ventrad of the median half of the lambdoidal crest. 
Relations.—Dorsal surface with the rectus capitis posterior 
major (Fig. 71, @). Ventral surface with the atlas and the 
rectus capitis posterior minor. 
Alction.—Assists the rectus capitis posterior major. 
M. rectus capitis posterior minor.—A small triangular 
muscle beneath the rectus capitis posterior medius (Fig. 71, 2). 
Origin by the apex of the triangle from the cranial border 
of the dorsal arch ot the atlas for about two millimeters laterad 
of the median line. The muscle passes over the ligament 
which connects the atlas to the occiput and adheres to it. 
Insertion into an elongated area on the occipital bone, 
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