supraspinous ligament

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 spinous processes from the seventh cervical vertebra to the sacrum. Superior to the 7th cervical vertebra, the supraspinous ligament is continuous with the nuchal ligament. It is thicker and broader in the lumbar region than in the thoracic region, and intimately blended with the neighboring fascia in both these regions. Inferior to L4, the supraspinous ligament becomes indistinct, lost amid the prominent lumbar fascia. Between the spinous processes, the supraspinous ligament is continuous with the interspinous ligaments. 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.