Structure
The nuchal ligament is a large and powerful fibro-elastic ligament made of tough collagenous and elastic fibers. It extends from the external occipital protuberance of the occipital bone, down over the spinous processes of the cervical vertebrae. At the base of the seventh cervical vertebra (C7), the nuchal ligament continues as the cord-like supraspinous ligament, which inserts along the tips of the spinous processes.
Related parts of the anatomy
Anatomical Relations
Superoanteriorly, the nuchal ligament is connected to the posterior dura mater at the atlantooccipital junction space (Dean & Mitchell, 2002).
Function
The nuchal ligament supports the cervical spine and allows for flexion whilst limiting excessive movement. It also provides insertions for muscle attachments into cervical spinous processes, e.g., serratus posterior superior and trapezius.
