Supraspinous Ligament

Question 1

What is the classification of the supraspinous ligament-spinous tubercle joint?

Answer 1

fibrous (amphiarthrosis) syndesmosis

Question 2

What will the supraspinous ligament be attached to?

Answer 2

the spinous tubercles along the vertebral column from C7 to sacrum

Question 3

What is the classic termination level inferiorly for the supraspinous ligament?

Answer 3

the upper sacral spinous tubercles

Question 4

What is the termination level inferiorly for the supraspinous ligament according to current literature?

Answer 4

• primarily at L4 (73%)

- between L4 and L5 (5%)

Question 5

Describe the layers of the supraspinous ligament.

Answer 5

• the superficial layer connects 3-4 segments
• the middle layer connects 2-3 segments
• the deep layer connects adjacent vertebrae

Question 6

Where is the supraspinous ligament said to be best developed?

Answer 6

in the lumbar spine

Question 7

What is now believed to form the supraspinous ligament in the lumbar spine?

Answer 7

the tendons or aponeurosis associated with the longissimus thoracis and the multifidis

Question 8

What is the classic function of the human supraspinous ligament?

Answer 8

it brakes or limits flexion of the spine

Question 9

What is now thought to be a major function of the supraspinous ligament?

Answer 9

it is a proprioceptive transducer for the spinal reflex