Ligamentum nuchae
Original Editor - Rachael Lowe
Top Contributors - Rachael Lowe, Kim Jackson and Mande Jooste
Contents
Description
Continuous with the Supraspinous ligament. It forms a two-layered fibroelastic septum that separates the dorsal muscles of the neck and spans from the spine of the C7 to the occiput.
Attachments
Extends from the external occipital protuberance on the skull and median nuchal line, to the spinous process of C7. The deep fibers of the ligament attach to the external occipital crest, the posterior tubercle of the atlas, and to the medial surface of the bifid processes of the other cervical vertebrae.
Function
Limits flexion[1].
Provides an attachment for Trapezius and Splenius capitis.
References
- ↑ Takeshita K, Peterson ET, Bylski-Austrow D, Crawford AH, Nakamura K. The nuchal ligament restrains cervical spine flexion. Spine (Phila Pa 1976). 2004 Sep 15;29(18):E388-93.
