LIGAMENTS OF THE NECK 



399 



rotation on its (twn axis are also nei essitaied for tlie puri)Of-;e of d/rectin.i? 

 the muzrle right and left of the straight line, an I for these severa' 

 motions the following deviations from the ordinary vertebral joints are 

 developed. 



The ligamextuji nuciice, or great cervical ligament, is intended to 

 relieve the muscles of the neck in supporting the head by its natural or 

 inherent elasticity. It is entirely formed of yellow elastic tissue, and 

 occupies the angle formed posteriorly by the anterior dorsal spines, and 

 inferiorly by the cervical spinous processes, thus separating the cervical 

 rauacles of the right side from those of the left. 



Profile View of the Great Ligament of the Neck. 



1. Crest of the occiput. 

 2: 2. Cervical vertebrae. 



3. 3. Dorsal vertebrre. 



4. 4. 4. Dorsal spines. 



5. 5. 5. Cordiform or funicular portion (f the 



ligamentum nucha. 



6. Cordiform portion of tlie ligamentum colli mix- 



ing with the supra-spinous ligament. 



7. 7. Lamellary portion of tlie ligamentinn nuchoe. 



8. 8. 8. Interspinous ligaments. 



It is divided for description into two parts — a funicular and lamellary 

 portion. The first, designated under the name of the cord of the cervical 

 ligament, is represented by a large band, which extends immediately from 

 the dorsal spinous processes to the top of the head, divided into two 

 lateral lips by a mesian line. The cord is connected posteriorly with the 

 suprasiDinous ligament, and is inserted anteriorly into the scabrous pit, 

 situated just below the crest of the occiput. It is covered superiorly by 

 a mass of thick adipo-fibrous tissue, much developed in low-bred animals. 

 Inferiorly it gives off the lamellary portion, which is composed of two 

 plates united b}' cellular membrane. These lie between the tAvo sets of 

 muscles, and give off six tongues or slips, which unite with the spines of 

 the six posterior cervical vertebree, mixing with the fibres of the inter- 

 spinous ligaments. 



The Atlas is united to the occiput by lateral ligaments, which bind 

 ito articular surfaces to the condyles of the bone — also by two inferior 

 ligaments and sj^novial capsules. 



The two lateral ligaments, broad and membranous, arise from the supero- 



