Trunk (thorax, abdomen, back)

Interspinous ligaments

Ligamenta interspinalia

Origin

Inferior aspect of the spinous process of the superior vertebra

Insertion

Superior aspect of the spinous process of the inferior vertebra

Function

Limits excessive hyperflexion of the spine; stabilizes adjacent spinous processes

Innervation

Medial branches of the dorsal rami of spinal nerves

Movement & chain

Taut during forward flexion of the spinal column

Palpation

Palpable between adjacent spinous processes when spine is flexed

Clinical

Sprain in whiplash/hyperflexion trauma; Baastrup disease (kissing spine syndrome) causing interspinous bursitis.

Segmental innervation

C2–L5 segmental

In clinical practice

Traversed along midline approach during lumbar puncture and spinal tap

Region in the model

Trunk (thorax, abdomen, back)