The phrase "back of the neck" is spelled with a hard "k" sound at the end of "back" and a soft "k" sound at the end of "neck". In IPA phonetic transcription, this is represented as /bæk əv ðə nɛk/. The initial "b" is pronounced with a voiced bilabial stop, followed by a short "a" sound and the voiceless velar stop "k". The middle of the phrase uses the schwa sound for "of" and the voiced "th" sound for "the". The word "neck" ends with a voiceless velar stop "k".
The back of the neck refers to the area at the upper part of the spine that is directly behind the neck. It is characterized by the region where the skull meets the cervical vertebrae, forming a continuous line from the base of the head to the top of the shoulders. The back of the neck can be identified as the posterior side of the neck, opposite to the front or anterior side.
Anatomically, the back of the neck is composed of various structures including muscles, ligaments, blood vessels, and nerves. It houses the cervical spine, which consists of seven vertebrae that provide support and flexibility to the neck. These vertebrae encase and protect the spinal cord, which serves as a vital pathway connecting the brain to the rest of the body.
The back of the neck is crucial for maintaining proper posture and movement of the head. It is also an area where tension and stress may accumulate, leading to discomfort or stiffness. Consequently, this region is often targeted during massages or therapies to promote relaxation and relieve muscle tension. The vulnerability of the back of the neck makes it an area of interest in various sports, martial arts, and combat techniques, where it can be targeted for submission or control.
Overall, the back of the neck plays a fundamental role in facilitating the movement, protection, and connection between the head and the spine.
Nucha, nape, scruff.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.