NUCHAL TUBERCLE Meaning and
Definition
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Nuchal tubercle refers to a prominent bony projection or a small bony protuberance found on the posterior part of the occipital bone, situated at the lower end of the external occipital protuberance, in the back of the skull. It is also called the external occipital tubercle. The term "nuchal" relates to the back of the neck, while "tubercle" denotes a small rounded projection or bump.
The nuchal tubercle serves as a point of attachment for several ligaments and muscles of the head and neck region. Some of the muscles attached to the nuchal tubercle include the trapezius muscle, which originates from this protuberance, and the superior nuchal ligament. It also provides an anchoring point for the dense fascia that covers the neck muscles.
The prominence of the nuchal tubercle varies among individuals, with some people having a more pronounced tubercle than others. Its size and shape can also vary across different populations and ethnic groups. Understanding the anatomy and location of the nuchal tubercle is essential in various clinical and forensic settings, such as identifying injuries or fractures to the skull and determining the direction of forces acting on the head and neck area.
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The tip of the spinous process of the seventh cervical vertebra, or vertebra prominens.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
Common Misspellings for NUCHAL TUBERCLE
- buchal tubercle
- muchal tubercle
- juchal tubercle
- huchal tubercle
- nychal tubercle
- nhchal tubercle
- njchal tubercle
- nichal tubercle
- n8chal tubercle
- n7chal tubercle
- nuxhal tubercle
- nuvhal tubercle
- nufhal tubercle
- nudhal tubercle
- nucgal tubercle
- nucbal tubercle
- nucnal tubercle
- nucjal tubercle
- nucual tubercle
- nucyal tubercle
Etymology of NUCHAL TUBERCLE
The word "nuchal tubercle" is composed of two terms, "nuchal" and "tubercle", both of which have different etymologies.
1. Nuchal: The term "nuchal" comes from the Latin word "nucha" or "nuchalis", meaning "the back of the neck". It can be traced back to the Proto-Indo-European root "*neu" or "*new", which referred to the head, back, or top part of the body. Over time, the Latin term "nucha" evolved into "nuchalis", which then entered English as "nuchal".
2. Tubercle: The word "tubercle" is derived from the Latin word "tubercul" meaning a small raised swelling or lump.
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