Superior nuchal line

Linea nuchalis superior

  • Latin synonym: Linea superior nuchae; Linea nuchalis terminalis

Definition

Superior nuchal lines are faint bony ridges that extend sideways from the external occipital protuberance. They stretch along the squamous part of the occipital bone. Just below these, parallel and about one inch lower, lie the inferior nuchal lines, which start from the middle of the external occipital crest and run to the sides. You may also find supreme nuchal lines above the superior nuchal lines in the area of the bony scalp.

The area between the superior and inferior nuchal lines acts as the attachment point on the inside for the semispinalis capitis, and on the outside for the superior oblique muscle. Below the inferior nuchal line, the inside part allows for the attachment of the rectus capitis posterior minor muscle, while the outside area is where the rectus capitis posterior major muscle attaches.

__________________________________________________________________

Text written by Muhammad A. Javaid, MD, PhD © 2024 IMAIOS.

  • Drake, R.L., Vogl, A.W. and Mitchell, A.W.M. (2009). ‘Chapter 8: Head and Neck’ in Gray’s anatomy for Students. (2nd ed.) Philadelphia PA 19103-2899: Elsevier, pp. 816-817 & Fig. 8.20.

  • Germann AM, Kashyap V. Anatomy, Head and Neck, Occipital Bone, Artery, Vein, and Nerve. [Updated 2023 Jul 24]. In: StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; 2024 Jan-. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK541093/


Translations

Translations