POLL-EVIL 111 
the atlas inserts to the parmastoid process 
nuchal (occipital) crest and the mastoid pro- 
cess. 
Obliquus Capitis Posterior (Posticus). This 
muscle lies upon the dorsolateral aspect of the 
atlas and axis. It is broad, flat, thick and 
fleshy. Its origin is from the side of the spine 
and the posterior articular process of the axis. 
It inserts to the dorsal surface of the wing of 
the atlas. Its function is chiefly to rotate the 
atlas, and by this means, the head. 
Rectus Capitis Dorsalis Major. This mus- 
cle originates from the edge of the spinous 
process of the axis and inserts to the occipital 
bone, below the tendon of insertion of the com- 
plexus. It is in contact with the hgamentum 
nuche. 
Rectus Capitis Dorsalis Minor. This is a 
small muscle which lies under the rectus cap- 
itis dorsalis major. It originates from the 
dorsal surface of the atlas and inserts to the 
occipital bone beneath the point of insertion of 
the last named muscle. It is lateral to the 
cordiform portion of the ligamentum nuche. 
Rectus Capitus Ventralis (Anticus) Major. 
This, the long flexor muscle of the head has its 
origin posteriorly from the transverse process- 
es of the third, fourth and fifth cervical verte- 
