| Nuchal ligament | |
|---|---|
 Muscles connecting the arm to the spine seen from behind (nuchal ligament labeled in red at center) | |
 | |
| Details | |
| System | Skeletal |
| From | External occipital protuberance |
| To | Spinous process of cervical vertebra 7 |
| Identifiers | |
| Latin | ligamentum nuchae |
| TA98 | A03.2.01.006 |
| TA2 | 1678 |
| FMA | 13427 |
| Anatomical terminology | |
The nuchal ligament is a ligament at the back of the neck that is continuous with the supraspinous ligament.
The nuchal ligament extends from the external occipital protuberance on the skull and median nuchal line to the spinous process of the seventh cervical vertebra in the lower part of the neck. [1]
From the anterior border of the nuchal ligament, a fibrous lamina is given off. This 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.
The trapezius and splenius capitis muscle attach to the nuchal ligament.
It is a tendon-like structure that has developed independently in humans and other animals well adapted for running. [2] In some four-legged animals, particularly ungulates and canids, the nuchal ligament serves to sustain the weight of the head.
In Chiari malformation treatment, decompression and duraplasty with a harvested nuchal ligament showed similar outcomes to pericranial and artificial grafts. [3]
In sheep and cattle, it is known as the paxwax. [4] It relieves the animal of the weight of its head.
The nuchal ligament is unusual in being a ligament with an elastic component, allowing for stretch. [5]
Structurally, the nuchal ligament is formed with the association of both elastin proteins as well as type III collagen (45%). The collagen fibrils share a consistent size as well as helical pattern which gives the ligament its tensile strength. The elastin on the other hand is a protein that allows for flexibility. These two elements of the nuchal ligament maintain a complex balance which allows the constant weight bearing of the head along with multidirectional movement without damaging the durability of the ligament through over-use/stretching. [6]
In most other mammals, including the great apes, the nuchal ligament is absent or present only as a thin fascia. [2] As it is required for running, not all animals have one. [7]
All dogs (and all living Canidae - wolves, foxes, and wild dogs) possess a similar ligament connecting the spinous process of their first thoracic (or chest) vertebrae to the back of the axis bone (second cervical or neck bone), which supports the weight of the head without active muscle exertion, thus saving energy. [8] This ligament is analogous in function (but different in exact structural detail) to the nuchal ligament found in ungulates. [8] This ligament allows dogs to carry their heads while running long distances, such as while following scent trails with their nose to the ground, without expending much energy. [8]
In horses, the parasite Culicoides can spread onchocerca cervicalis by living in the nuchal ligament, causing dermatitis. [9]
In the meat industry, the nuchal ligament is referred to as paddywhack (also spelled pandywack; also called back strap or paxwax). [10]
The word is mentioned in a dictionary of South-west Lincolnshire dialect as a synonym of paxwax (originally faxwax; Old English compound of "hair" + "to grow"). [11] Hence, paddywack has been in use with this meaning since at least 1886. [12]
Dried paddywhack is commonly packaged and sold as a dog treat. [10] Paddywack is unpalatable as a human food because it cannot be softened or tenderised, but it makes a good natural dog chew. [13] It is classed as offal by the meat industry. [10]
In vertebrate anatomy, ribs are the long curved bones which form the rib cage, part of the axial skeleton. In most tetrapods, ribs surround the thoracic cavity, enabling the lungs to expand and thus facilitate breathing by expanding the thoracic cavity. They serve to protect the lungs, heart, and other vital organs of the thorax. In some animals, especially snakes, ribs may provide support and protection for the entire body.
In anatomy, the atlas (C1) is the most superior (first) cervical vertebra of the spine and is located in the neck.
The trapezius is a large paired trapezoid-shaped surface muscle that extends longitudinally from the occipital bone to the lower thoracic vertebrae of the spine and laterally to the spine of the scapula. It moves the scapula and supports the arm.
In anatomy, the axis is the second cervical vertebra (C2) of the spine, immediately inferior to the atlas, upon which the head rests. The spinal cord passes through the axis.
The obliquus capitis inferior muscle is a muscle in the upper back of the neck. It is one of the suboccipital muscles. Its inferior attachment is at the spinous process of the axis; its superior attachment is at the transverse process of the atlas. It is innervated by the suboccipital nerve. The muscle rotates the head to its side.
The obliquus capitis superior muscle is a small muscle in the upper back part of the neck. It is one of the suboccipital muscles. It attaches inferiorly at the transverse process of the atlas ; it attaches superiorly at the external surface of the occipital bone. The muscle is innervated by the suboccipital nerve.
The semispinalis muscles are a group of three muscles belonging to the transversospinales. These are the semispinalis capitis, the semispinalis cervicis and the semispinalis thoracis.
The splenius capitis is a broad, straplike muscle in the back of the neck. It pulls on the base of the skull from the vertebrae in the neck and upper thorax. It is involved in movements such as shaking the head.
The rectus capitis posterior major is a muscle in the upper back part of the neck. It is one of the suboccipital muscles. Its inferior attachment is at the spinous process of the axis ; its superior attachment is onto the outer surface of the occipital bone on and around the side part of the inferior nuchal line. The muscle is innervated by the suboccipital nerve. The muscle acts to extend the head and rorate the head to its side.
The rectus capitis posterior minor is a muscle in the upper back part of the neck. It is one of the suboccipital muscles. Its inferior attachment is at the posterior arch of atlas; its superior attachment is onto the occipital bone at and below the inferior nuchal line. The muscle is innervated by the suboccipital nerve. The muscle acts as a weak extensor of the head.
The erector spinae or spinal erectors is a set of muscles that straighten and rotate the back. The spinal erectors work together with the glutes to maintain stable posture standing or sitting.
The supraspinous ligament is a ligament extending across the tips of the spinous processes of the vertebra of the vertebral column.
The spinalis is a portion of the erector spinae, a bundle of muscles and tendons, located nearest to the spine. It is divided into three parts: Spinalis dorsi, spinalis cervicis, and spinalis capitis.
The deep cervical fascia lies under cover of the platysma, and invests the muscles of the neck; it also forms sheaths for the carotid vessels, and for the structures situated in front of the vertebral column. Its attachment to the hyoid bone prevents the formation of a dewlap.
The ligamenta flava are a series of ligaments that connect the ventral parts of the laminae of adjacent vertebrae. They help to preserve upright posture, preventing hyperflexion, and ensuring that the vertebral column straightens after flexion. Hypertrophy can cause spinal stenosis.
The investing layer of deep cervical fascia is the most superficial part of the deep cervical fascia, and encloses the whole neck.
The term forehand refers to the front half of a horse's body.
The vertebral column, also known as the spinal column, spine or backbone, is the core part of the axial skeleton in vertebrate animals. The vertebral column is the defining and eponymous characteristic of the vertebrate endoskeleton, where the notochord found in all chordates has been replaced by a segmented series of mineralized irregular bones called vertebrae, separated by fibrocartilaginous intervertebral discs. The dorsal portion of the vertebral column houses the spinal canal, an elongated cavity formed by alignment of the vertebral neural arches that encloses and protects the spinal cord, with spinal nerves exiting via the intervertebral foramina to innervate each body segments.
Each vertebra is an irregular bone with a complex structure composed of bone and some hyaline cartilage, that make up the vertebral column or spine, of vertebrates. The proportions of the vertebrae differ according to their spinal segment and the particular species.
This article incorporates text in the public domain from page 290 of the 20th edition of Gray's Anatomy (1918)
