Nuchal Ligament

Authors
Affiliations

Nathaniel Yomogida, B.S., SPT

Doctor of Physical Therapy

B.S. in Kinesiology

Chloë Kerstein, B.S., SPT

Doctor of Physical Therapy

B.A. in Neuroscience

AKA
  • Ligamentum Nuchae
  • Nuchal Ligament

Anatomy

  • Comprised of four portions formed by traps, splenius capitus, rhomboid major and serratus posterior1
  • Continues as supraspinous ligament @ C71

Muscular Attachments

Function

  • Aids in suspension of head and neck1
  • Fxn is controversial1
  • Stability of C7, occiput1
  • Potential Role in cervicogenic headaches1
  • Limits anterior translation of head and flexion1

References

1.
Dutton M. Dutton’s Orthopaedic Examination, Evaluation, and Intervention. 5th ed. McGraw Hill Education; 2020.

Citation

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