[TA] intermediate erector spinae muscle in neck; origin, from transverse processes of upper thoracic and transverse and articular processes of lower and middle cervical vertebrae; insertion, into mastoid process; action, keeps head erect, draws it backward or to one side; nerve supply, dorsal primary rami of cervical spinal nerves. SYN: musculus longissimus capitis [TA], musculus complexus minor, musculus trachelomastoideus, musculus transversalis capitis.
