| ligamentum nuchae | A sagittal ligamentous band at the back of the neck, formed of thickened supraspinous ligaments; it extends from the external occipital protuberance to the posterior border of the foramen magnum, cranially, to the seventh cervical spinous process, caudally. Synonym: apparatus ligamentosus colli, nuchal ligament. (05 Mar 2000) |
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| linea nuchae inferior | 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) |
| linea nuchae mediana | A ridge extending from the external occipital protuberance to the border of the foramen magnum. Synonym: crista occipitalis externa, linea nuchae mediana. (05 Mar 2000) |
| linea nuchae superior | 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) |
| linea nuchae suprema | A line above and parallel to the superior nuchal line on the external surface of the occipital bone; it gives attachment to the epicranial aponeurosis and occipitalis muscle. Synonym: linea nuchae suprema. (05 Mar 2000) |