Nuchal lines
Nuchal lines (pronunciation: /ˈnjuːkəl/ lines) are anatomical landmarks located on the back of the human skull. They are horizontal ridges that serve as attachment points for several muscles of the neck and back.
Etymology
The term "nuchal" is derived from the Latin word "nucha," which means "nape" or "back of the neck." The term "line" is derived from the Latin word "linea," which means "line" or "stripe."
Anatomy
The nuchal lines are divided into three main types: the superior nuchal line, the highest nuchal line, and the inferior nuchal line. Each of these lines serves as an attachment point for different muscles and ligaments.
- The superior nuchal line is the most prominent of the three and serves as the attachment point for muscles such as the trapezius and the sternocleidomastoid.
- The highest nuchal line is less prominent and serves as the attachment point for the galea aponeurotica, a tough layer of dense fibrous tissue that covers the upper part of the cranium.
- The inferior nuchal line is the least prominent and serves as the attachment point for muscles such as the splenius capitis and the semispinalis capitis.
Clinical Significance
The nuchal lines are important landmarks in medical procedures such as lumbar punctures and epidural anesthesia. They are also used in forensic anthropology to help determine age, sex, and race from skeletal remains.
Related Terms
- Nuchal rigidity: Stiffness of the neck that is a common symptom of conditions such as meningitis.
- Nuchal scan: A type of ultrasound scan used to assess the risk of Down's syndrome in a fetus.
- Nuchal translucency: The clear (translucent) space in the tissue at the back of a developing fetus's neck.
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Nuchal lines
- Wikipedia's article - Nuchal lines
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