Supraspinous ligament

Last edited and medically reviewed by Alaric Steinmetz on 02.04.2023

Synonyms

Dornfortsatzband

The supraspinous ligament is a ligament composed of dense collagenous connective tissue that extends from the seventh cervical vertebra to the Os sacrum.

Anatomy

In the lumbar vertebrae, the supraspinous ligament is thicker and broader than in the thoracic vertebrae and is fused with the adjacent fasciae along its entire length. In the cervical region, the supraspinous ligament continues as the nuchal ligament. The supraspinous ligament serves as the origin of the rhomboid major muscle.

Figure

Spinal ligaments — Schematic depiction of the spinal ligaments in a sagittal section. Figure adapted from Gray's Anatomy.

Function

Together with the other ligaments of the spine, the supraspinous ligament contributes to the mechanical stability of the spine, particularly during anteflexion.