ARTICULATIONS OF THE SPINE. 



181 



mmtum colli) (Fig. 120, 1, 2). — This ligament is entirely formed of yellow 

 fibrous tissue, and constitutes, in the median plane of the body, a very remarkable 

 elastic apparatus, which separates the superior cervical muscles of the right side 

 from those of the left, and plays the part not entirely of an articular band, but 

 rather of a permanent stay, charged to balance the weight of the head. 



In the cervical ligament there is distinguished a fumriiJar and a lamellar 

 portion. The first, usually called the cord {funicular or cordiform portion) of the 

 ligament, is a wide funiculus which extends directly from the first dorsal spinous 



Fig. 120. 



CERVICAL LIGAMENT AND DEEP MUSCLES OF THE HORSE S NECK. 



1, Lamellar portion of the cervical ligament ; 2, funicular portion of the same. 



processes to the summit of the head. Divided into two lateral lips by a median 

 groove, this cord is continued posteriorly by the dorso-lumbar ligament, and is 

 inserted, anteriorly, into the tuberosity of the occipital bone. It is covered above 

 by a mass of fibro-adipose tissue, which, in certain common-bred horses, is very 

 abundant. Below, it gives rise, in its posterior two-thirds, to the majority of the 

 fibres belonging to the lamellar portion. On the sides, it receives the insertions 

 of several cervical muscles. The lamellar portion — comprised between the funicular 

 portion, the spinous processes of the second dorsal vertebra, and the cervical 



