Nuchal ligament

From WikiMD.com - Food, Medicine & Wellness Encyclopedia

Nuchal Ligament

The Nuchal Ligament is a significant anatomical structure in the posterior aspect of the neck. It is a well-defined, thick, elastic, fibrous band that extends from the external occipital protuberance and median nuchal line to the spinous process of the seventh cervical vertebra, also known as the vertebra prominens.

Etymology[edit | edit source]

The term "nuchal" is derived from the Latin word "nucha," which means "nape" or "back of the neck."

Anatomy[edit | edit source]

The Nuchal Ligament is composed of two parts: the Funnel Ligament and the Supraspinous Ligament. The Funnel Ligament is the upper part that attaches to the skull, while the Supraspinous Ligament is the lower part that extends down the spine.

Function[edit | edit source]

The primary function of the Nuchal Ligament is to sustain the weight of the head and facilitate its movements. It also serves as a site for muscle attachment, including the Trapezius Muscle, Rhomboid Muscle, and Splenius Capitis Muscle.

Clinical Significance[edit | edit source]

In the medical field, the Nuchal Ligament is often examined in cases of neck pain and injury. It can be affected by conditions such as Whiplash, Ankylosing Spondylitis, and Rheumatoid Arthritis.

Meat Industry[edit | edit source]

In the meat industry, the Nuchal Ligament is often removed from slaughtered animals due to its tough and inedible nature. It is particularly prominent in bovines, making it a significant consideration in beef processing.

Related Terms[edit | edit source]

  • Ligament: A fibrous connective tissue that connects bones to other bones.
  • Cervical Vertebrae: The seven vertebrae that form the neck.
  • Occipital Bone: The bone that forms the back and base of the skull.
WHO Rod.svg
This article is a medical stub. You can help WikiMD by expanding it!
PubMed
Wikipedia

Nuchal_ligament[edit | edit source]

WikiMD
Navigation: Wellness - Encyclopedia - Health topics - Disease Index‏‎ - Drugs - World Directory - Gray's Anatomy - Keto diet - Recipes

Transform your life with W8MD's budget GLP1 injections from $125

W8mdlogo.png
W8MD weight loss doctors team

W8MD offers a medical weight loss program NYC and a clinic to lose weight in Philadelphia. Our W8MD's physician supervised medical weight loss centers in NYC provides expert medical guidance, and offers telemedicine options for convenience.

Why choose W8MD?

Book Your Appointment

Start your NYC weight loss journey today at our NYC medical weight loss, and Philadelphia medical weight loss Call (718)946-5500 for NY and 215 676 2334 for PA

Search WikiMD

Ad.Tired of being Overweight? Try W8MD's NYC physician weight loss.
Semaglutide (Ozempic / Wegovy and Tirzepatide (Mounjaro / Zepbound) available. Call 718 946 5500.
Advertise on WikiMD

WikiMD's Wellness Encyclopedia

Let Food Be Thy Medicine
Medicine Thy Food - Hippocrates

Medical Disclaimer: WikiMD is not a substitute for professional medical advice. The information on WikiMD is provided as an information resource only, may be incorrect, outdated or misleading, and is not to be used or relied on for any diagnostic or treatment purposes. Please consult your health care provider before making any healthcare decisions or for guidance about a specific medical condition. WikiMD expressly disclaims responsibility, and shall have no liability, for any damages, loss, injury, or liability whatsoever suffered as a result of your reliance on the information contained in this site. By visiting this site you agree to the foregoing terms and conditions, which may from time to time be changed or supplemented by WikiMD. If you do not agree to the foregoing terms and conditions, you should not enter or use this site. See full disclaimer.
Credits:Most images are courtesy of Wikimedia commons, and templates, categories Wikipedia, licensed under CC BY SA or similar.

Contributors: Prab R. Tumpati, MD