Which muscle origin includes the Nuchal ligament?

Which muscle origin includes the Nuchal ligament?

• A. Rhomboid Minor
• B. Levator Scapulae
• C. Rhomboid Major
• D. Trapezius

Answer: (A)

The nuchal ligament runs along the back of the neck and serves as an attachment site for several muscles. Rhomboid minor has its origin in the nuchal ligament (along with the spinous processes of C7 and T1) and inserts on the medial border of the scapula to retract and downwardly rotate it. Because the nuchal ligament is part of its origin, this muscle is the one most directly described as including the nuchal ligament. The other muscles originate from different landmarks: rhomboid major from the spinous processes of T2–T5, levator scapulae from the transverse processes of C1–C4, and trapezius from the occipital region and various cervical-to-thoracic spinous processes with involvement of the ligamentum nuchae.

The nuchal ligament runs along the back of the neck and serves as an attachment site for several muscles. Rhomboid minor has its origin in the nuchal ligament (along with the spinous processes of C7 and T1) and inserts on the medial border of the scapula to retract and downwardly rotate it. Because the nuchal ligament is part of its origin, this muscle is the one most directly described as including the nuchal ligament. The other muscles originate from different landmarks: rhomboid major from the spinous processes of T2–T5, levator scapulae from the transverse processes of C1–C4, and trapezius from the occipital region and various cervical-to-thoracic spinous processes with involvement of the ligamentum nuchae.