We remember that in man this muscle arises from the transverse processes of the upper cervical vertebræ and is inserted into the superior portion of the spinal border of the scapula, into the portion of this border which is situated above the spine; it also contributes to the formation of the floor of the supraclavicular region. When it contracts, it draws the superior portion of the scapula forwards and upwards, and causes a see-saw movement, for at the same time the inferior angle of the scapula is directed backwards. Taking its fixed point at the shoulder, it directly extends the neck if the muscle of one side acts at the same time as that of the opposite; but if only one muscle contracts it inclines the neck to the corresponding side. It is to be noticed that during movements a little more active than the ordinary the levator anguli scapulæ, as moreover the other muscles of the neck do, becomes very distinct. We have, indeed, often remarked that, apart from these movements, each time the support of one of the fore-limbs is brought into requisition a brusque contraction of the muscles of this region accompanies it. This contraction gives the impression that, as on the one hand, each support determines a momentary arrest of progression, a jolt, and on the other hand, the head continues to be projected in the forward direction, the latter should be retained. But it cannot be so except by an effort in the opposite direction--that is to say, by the brusque contraction which we have just pointed out. Analogous contractions also take place in a man while running at the beginning of each contact of the lower limbs with the ground. We may add, apropos of this latter, that displacements of the head, sometimes in very pronounced fashion, take place during simple walking, and that every time one of the lower limbs is carried forwards the head is projected in the same direction. These displacements, which we also find take place in the horse in pacing, especially in the region of the neck and head, seem then to have the effect of aiding the progression of the body forwards. They occur especially in animals when drawing a heavy load, and in individuals whose walking movements are executed with difficulty. It is necessary to repeat that, in these cases, the individual appears to assist the movement of his body by the impetus which the projection of his head forward determines, in order to add--and it is for this that we have referred to the subject--that during the intervals between each projection the head is carried backwards by a muscular contraction similar to that above discussed.