The nuchal ligament (paxwax) is a fibrous membrane, which, in the neck, represents the supraspinal ligaments of the upper part of the spine. As it is required for running, not all animals have a nuchal ligament.
It 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.
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 ungulates, serves to sustain the weight of the head.
The trapezius and Splenius capitis muscle attach to the nuchal ligament.
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