Nuchal ligament
Encyclopedia
The paxwax or nuchal ligament (ligamentum nuchae in Latin
) is a fibrous membrane, which, in the neck, represents the supraspinal ligaments of the lower vertebræ. As it is required for running, not all animals have a nuchal ligament.
It extends from the external occipital protuberance
and median nuchal line to the spinous process
of the seventh cervical vertebra.
From its anterior border a fibrous lamina is given off, which is attached to the posterior tubercle of the atlas
, and to the spinous processes of the cervical vertebrae
, and forms a septum between the muscles on either side of the neck.
In humans it is merely the rudiment of an important elastic ligament, which, in some other animals, particularly ungulate
s, serves to sustain the weight of the head.
The Trapezius and Splenius capitis attach to the nuchal ligament.
The "paddywhack
" is the nuchal ligament of sheep, cattle or the quadruped.
Latin
Latin is an Italic language originally spoken in Latium and Ancient Rome. It, along with most European languages, is a descendant of the ancient Proto-Indo-European language. Although it is considered a dead language, a number of scholars and members of the Christian clergy speak it fluently, and...
) is a fibrous membrane, which, in the neck, represents the supraspinal ligaments of the lower vertebræ. As it is required for running, not all animals have a nuchal ligament.
It extends from the external occipital protuberance
External occipital protuberance
Near the middle of the occipital squama is the external occipital protuberance, and extending lateralward from it on either side is the superior nuchal line, and above this the faintly marked highest nuchal line.It is less pronounced in females....
and median nuchal line to the spinous process
Spinous process
The spinous process of a vertebra is directed backward and downward from the junction of the laminae , and serves for the attachment of muscles and ligaments. In animals without an erect stance, the process points upward and may slant forward or backward...
of the seventh cervical vertebra.
From its anterior border a fibrous lamina is given off, which is attached to the posterior tubercle of the atlas
Atlas (anatomy)
In anatomy, the atlas is the most superior cervical vertebra of the spine.It is named for the Atlas of Greek mythology, because it supports the globe of the head....
, and to the spinous processes of the cervical vertebrae
Cervical vertebrae
In vertebrates, cervical vertebrae are those vertebrae immediately inferior to the skull.Thoracic vertebrae in all mammalian species are defined as those vertebrae that also carry a pair of ribs, and lie caudal to the cervical vertebrae. Further caudally follow the lumbar vertebrae, which also...
, and forms a septum between the muscles on either side of the neck.
In humans it is merely the rudiment of an important elastic ligament, which, in some other animals, particularly ungulate
Ungulate
Ungulates are several groups of mammals, most of which use the tips of their toes, usually hoofed, to sustain their whole body weight while moving. They make up several orders of mammals, of which six to eight survive...
s, serves to sustain the weight of the head.
The Trapezius and Splenius capitis attach to the nuchal ligament.
The "paddywhack
Paddywhack
Paddywhack or Nuchal ligament/Ligamentum nuchae, is a strong elastic ligament or tendon in the midline of the neck of sheep or cattle which relieves the animal of the weight of its head. It is pale yellow in colour...
" is the nuchal ligament of sheep, cattle or the quadruped.
External links
- Investigation of connective tissue attachments to the cervical spinal dura mater