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AnatomySpine and backSpineSupraspinous ligament
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AnatomySpine and backSpineSupraspinous ligament

Supraspinous ligament

Author: Christina Loukopoulou, MSc • Reviewer: Dimitrios Mytilinaios, MD, PhD
Last reviewed: March 14, 2024
Reading time: 1 minute

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Bones, ligaments and joints of the thoracic and lumbar spines.
Supraspinous ligament
Ligamentum supraspinale
1/2
Synonyms: none

The supraspinous ligament is a cord-like fibrous band that runs along and connects the apices of the spinous processes from vertebrae C7 to L3/L4.

Superiorly, from vertebra C7 to the skull, specifically the external occipital protuberance, it continues as the nuchal ligament of the cervical region.

Inferiorly, in the lumbar region, it becomes thicker and broader and merges with the thoracolumbar fascia.

Anteriorly, the supraspinous ligament merges with the interspinous ligament. Posteriorly, it blends with myofascial structures.

The supraspinous ligament functions to prevent separation of the spinous processes during flexion and resists hyperflexion of the spine. Additionally, it helps maintain the upright position of the head along with other ligaments of the vertebral column.

Terminology English: Supraspinous ligament

Latin: Ligamentum supraspinale
Definition The supraspinous ligament is a cord-like fibrous band that runs along and connects the apices of the spinous processes from vertebrae C7 to L3/L4.

Learn more about the main and accessory ligaments supporting the joints between the vertebrae in this study unit:

Joints of the vertebral bodies and arches Explore study unit

Sources

All content published on Kenhub is reviewed by medical and anatomy experts. The information we provide is grounded on academic literature and peer-reviewed research. Kenhub does not provide medical advice. You can learn more about our content creation and review standards by reading our content quality guidelines.
  • Moore, K. L., Dalley, A. F. and Agur, A. (2017). Clinically oriented anatomy (8th ed.). Lippincott Williams and Wilkins.
  • Standring, S. (2016). Gray's Anatomy (41st ed.). Edinburgh: Elsevier Churchill Livingstone.

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