264 



HEALTH AND DISEASE 



The former runs along the tops of the superior spinous processes, to each of 

 which it becomes attached from the second cervical vertebra to the sacrum. 

 The anterior portion is represented by a broad yellow elastic structure, 

 termed the ligamentum nuchce (fig. 347), which extends from the head 

 backwards as far as the sixth dorsal spine, where it becomes continuous 

 with the second portion or dorso-lumbar, which is continued to the sacrum 

 or haunch. The ligamentum nuchse consists of a superior rounded (funic- 

 ular) portion and an inferior broad flat (lamellar) portion. 



The former or funicular portion extends from the sixth dorsal spine 

 to the posterior part of the cranium, where it becomes inserted into the 



tuberosity of the occipital 

 bone. This division of the 

 ligament is very strong, 

 and shows a groove run- 

 ning along its superior 

 surface. It is usually 

 covered with a dense 

 mass of fat and connective 

 tissue, which gives round- 

 ness to the superior border 

 of the neck. 



The lamellar portion 

 is a broad sheet of yellow 

 elastic tissue attached to 

 the under surface of that 

 last described. It is com- 

 posed of two layers, one 

 placed closely in apposi- 

 tion with and connected to the other by a loose fibrous substance. The 

 fibres of these layers pass obliquely forward from the spines of the first 

 five or six dorsal vertebrae to those of the six posterior neck-bones. The 

 supra-spinous ligament gives support to the head and neck, and thereby 

 relieves the muscles from the weight which would otherwise be imposed 

 upon them at all times. Moreover, by its elasticity it allows of a certain 

 degree of stretching, and freedom of movement in all directions. Situated 

 in the middle line of the neck it separates the muscles of one side from 

 those of the other. 



The dorso-lumbar portion of the supra-spinous ligament is attached 

 to the summits of all the lumbar and the twelve or thirteen posterior 

 dorsal spines. In front it becomes continuous with the cervical division 

 or "ligamentum nuchse", behind with the sacro-iliac ligament. 



Fig. 346. Ligaments of Spine (Side View) 



1. Supra-spinous ligament. 2. Inter-spinous ligaments. 3. Bodies 

 of dorsal vertebrae divided longitudinally and vertically. 4. Inferior 

 common ligament. 5. Inter-vertebral discs. 6. Spinal canal. 



