| nuchal tubercle | The vertebra in the cervicothoracic region which has the most prominent spinous process (seventh cervical vertebra in 70% of the cases, sixth in 20%, and first thoracic vertebra in 10%). Synonym: nuchal tubercle. (05 Mar 2000) |
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| superior nuchal line | The ridge that extends laterally from the external occipital protuberance toward the lateral angle of the occipital bone; it gives attachment to the trapezius, sternocleidomastoid, and splenius capitis muscles. Synonym: linea nuchae superior. (05 Mar 2000) |
| dementia-nuchal dystonia | A disorder that is associated with nerve cell destruction and progressive lack of coordination, neck stiffness, trunk stiffness, problems with eye movement and mild dementia. Disorders that are similar include Alzheimer's disease, cerebellar dysfunction, Jakob-Creutzfeldt disease and Parkinson's disease. The cause for progressive supranuclear palsy is unknown, but is likely a degenerative nerve disorder that is somehow triggered by a viral infection. Pathologic changes include nerve cell damage and destruction of myelin sheath. There is no known cure. (27 Sep 1997) |
| inferior nuchal line | A ridge that extends laterally from the external occipital crest toward the jugular process of the occipital bone. Synonym: linea nuchae inferior. (05 Mar 2000) |