ARTICULATIONS OF THE VERTEBRJE. 243 



recede from each other, when the spine is bent forwards, it 



seems that they should be elastic. 



Fig. 53.* There are also ligaments between 



the spinous processes, which extend 

 from the under surface of one spinous 

 process to the upper surface of the 

 spinous process below it. These are 

 composed of tendinous shining fibres, 

 and are sufficiently loose to permit 

 the anterior flexure of the vertebral 

 column. From their situation they 

 are denominated interspinal liga- 

 ments. 



There is also a thin and narrow ligamentous band, which 

 extends from the spinous process of the seventh cervical verte- 

 bra to the spinous processes of the os sacrum, and adheres to 

 the ends of the intermediate spinous processes. It is exterior 

 to the tendinous origins of the trapezii and latissimi dorsi 

 muscles. The upper portion is slightly connected to the 

 trapezius, the lower part adheres more firmly to the latissimus 

 dorsi. 



The ligamentum nucha, ligament of Diemerbrcek, as it has 

 been denominated, is a narrow but firm strip, which extends 

 from the spinous process of the last cervical vertebra, to the 

 occipital bone, at or near its protuberance. It is very strongly 

 developed in all the larger quadrupeds, with pendant heads. 

 That portion of the trapezius muscle which is between the 

 occipital bone and the seventh cervical vertebra, originates 

 from it, or is intimately connected with it ; and a portion of the 

 splenius muscle is also connected with it. 



From the internal surface of this ligament, a thin tendinous 

 membrane arises, whose fibres run obliquely upwards and 



* A posterior view of a part of the thoracic portion of the vertebral column, 

 showing the ligaments connecting the vertebrae with each other and the ribs 

 with the vertebrae. 1. The supra-spinous ligament. 2, 2. The ligamenta sub- 

 flava, or yellow elastic ligaments, connecting the laminae. 3. The anterior costo- 

 transverse ligament. 4. The posterior costo-transverse ligaments. 



