Corpus: Supraspinous ligament
1. Definition
The supraspinous ligament is a strong fibrous band that runs from the 7th cervical vertebra over the spinous processes (processus spinosi) to the sacral bone.
2. Anatomy
Fibrous cartilage is formed where the supraspinous ligament touches the spinous processes. It is thicker and wider on the lumbar vertebrae than on the thoracic vertebrae and is fused with the neighbouring fasciae along its entire length.
The supraspinous ligament braces the spine dorsally and inhibits flexion of the trunk. It serves as the origin of the rhomboid major muscle. In the neck area, the supraspinous ligament continues as the nunchal ligament.