Action.—Raises the snout.
M. rectus capitis posterior medius ([Fig. 71], d). (This is in man a part of the rectus capitis posterior major.)—It lies beneath the rectus capitis posterior major ([Fig. 71], a).
[Fig. 71].—Deep Muscles of the Neck, after the Removal of Mm. Biventer Cervicis and Complexus.
![[Fig. 71]](#3418956513767812439_illo135lg.jpg.id-4611463160555127002.wrap-0.html.html){kind=link}
a, M. rectus capitis posterior major; b, M. obliquus capitis inferior; c, M. semispinalis cervicis; d, M. rectus capitis posterior medius; e, M. obliquus capitis superior; f, M. longus atlantis; g, M. scalenus (part of cervical portion); h, cut end of M. levator scapulæ.
Origin from the cranial end of the axial spine. It forms a triangular prismatic mass which passes craniad and has its
Insertion 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], a). Ventral surface with the atlas and the rectus capitis posterior minor.
Action.—Assists the rectus capitis posterior major.
M. rectus capitis posterior minor.—A small triangular muscle beneath the rectus capitis posterior medius ([Fig. 71], d).