Interspinous ligament
The interspinous ligaments (interspinal ligaments) are thin and membranous ligaments, that connect adjoining spinous processes of the vertebra in the spine.[1][2][3] They extend from the root to the apex of each spinous process. They meet the ligamenta flava in front and blend with the supraspinous ligament behind.[2]
Interspinous ligament | |
---|---|
Median sagittal section of two lumbar vertebrae and their ligaments (interspinous ligament visible at center right) | |
Details | |
From | Spinous process of vertebra |
To | Spinous process of vertebra |
Identifiers | |
Latin | Ligamenta interspinalia |
TA | A03.2.01.002 |
FMA | 71392 |
Anatomical terminology |
The ligaments are narrow and elongated in the thoracic region, broader, thicker, and quadrilateral in form in the lumbar region, and only slightly developed in the neck.[1] In the neck they are often considered part of the nuchal ligament.[2]
The function of the interspinous ligaments is to limit flexion of the spine.[2]
References
This article incorporates text in the public domain from page 291 of the 20th edition of Gray's Anatomy (1918)
- "Gray, Henry. 1918. Anatomy of the Human Body". Bartleby.com. Retrieved 30 March 2013.
- "Interspinous ligaments". AnatomyExpert. Retrieved 30 March 2013.
- "interspinal ligament". Merriam-Webster. Retrieved 30 March 2013.
External links
- Interspinous ligaments on AnatomyExpert.com
- Interspinous ligament - BlueLink Anatomy - University of Michigan Medical School