Five thick, short strands of muscle deeply seated on the side of the neck in proximity with the bones. They are in continuation of similar short muscular fasciculi, presently to be noticed, in the regions of the back and loins.

Origin. - From the oblique processes of the five posterior cervical vertebrae or neck bones.

Insertion. - Into the spinous processes of the 2nd, 3rd, 4th, 5th, and 6th of the same.

Action. - To extend the neck, and to fix the bones in accordance with the action of other of the cervical muscles.