Supraspinous ligament
Supraspinous ligament | |
---|---|
Details | |
From | Spinous process of C7 |
To | Sacrum |
Identifiers | |
Latin | ligamentum supraspinale |
TA98 | A03.2.01.005 |
TA2 | 1677 |
FMA | 13425 |
Anatomical terminology |
The supraspinous ligament, also known as the supraspinal ligament, is a ligament found along the vertebral column.
Anatomy
The supraspinous ligament connects the tips of the
Between the spinous processes, the supraspinous ligament is continuous with the
Structure
The most superficial fibers of this ligament extend across 3-4 vertebrae, deeper fibres extend across 2-3 vertebrae, while the deepest connect the spinous processes of adjacent vertebrae.[3]
Function
The supraspinous ligament becomes taut when the spine is fully flexed.[5] The supraspinous ligament, along with the posterior longitudinal ligament, interspinous ligaments and ligamentum flavum, help to limit hyperflexion of the vertebral column.
Clinical significance
Lesions to the supraspinous ligament may result in palpable thickening.[6] Ultrasound is effective for detecting lesions.[6][7] A strain injury can also damage the supraspinous ligament.[8]
The supraspinous ligament creates resistance during midline epidural anaesthetics when the needle is being inserted. This increased resistance needs to be taken into account, and is one of the first subcutaneous tissues.[9]
See also
References
- ISBN 978-0-443-06651-1, retrieved 2020-11-03
- ISBN 978-0-443-06612-2.
- ^ a b c Gray, Henry (1918). Gray's Anatomy (20th ed.). p. 290.
- ISBN 978-0-7295-3752-0.
- ISBN 978-0-7295-3752-0.
- ^ ISBN 978-1-4160-6069-7, retrieved 2020-11-03
- ISBN 978-1-4160-9979-6, retrieved 2020-11-03
- ISBN 978-0-7020-2801-4, retrieved 2020-11-03
- ISBN 978-0-7020-2913-4, retrieved 2020-11-03