Muscles and Their Functions

Refer to figure A. They stand closely behind the ears, branching from the collarbones (14). Here are also the antagonists that straighten the head, on both sides two, yet they stand together as if one, and are called by anatomists the Splenii and Complexi: you see them somewhat illustrated in Fig. C. next to the Mastoid. See the depiction A. B. C. on the following alphabetical table.

12. Splenius, these are two on each side of the head, situating under one another as if one; their function is, through these four muscles, to straighten the head, and are also called Complexi. They start from the extension of the five uppermost vertebrae of the neck (9) and insert into the back of the head (2) where there are other muscles that turn the head into a half circle, but these are hidden from view. See of the said, the depiction C.

13. Trapezii, these are one on each side, made with various fibers, and pull the shoulder blades upward, downward, and backward. They originate around the entire back of the head (2) from all the vertebrae of the neck, and also the back vertebrae of the whole trunk (9) (10). They insert into the spine of the shoulder blade (17) nearly into the middle of foot 18. It’s also called the Table or Monk's Cap-like Muscle. There are also two Levators or Lifters, which lift the shoulder blade with the shoulder, and are called Muscles of Patience, because those things that do not go as intended often cause the shoulders to lift, and say, Patience! These remain somewhat hidden from view, and therefore are not truly seen through the skin.

Translation Notes

- "Weederzijden" refers to "each side".
- "Trapezii" refers to the trapezius muscles.
- "Monk's Cap-like Muscle" is a metaphorical description of the shape of the muscle.