12/08/2024
For those with horses wondering.
๐๐ฌ ๐ข๐ญ ๐ง๐จ๐ซ๐ฆ๐๐ฅ ๐๐จ๐ซ ๐ญ๐ก๐ ๐ง๐ฎ๐๐ก๐๐ฅ ๐ฅ๐ข๐ ๐๐ฆ๐๐ง๐ญ ๐ญ๐จ ๐๐ฅ๐ข๐ฉ ๐๐๐๐ค ๐๐ง๐ ๐๐จ๐ซ๐ญ๐ก ๐๐ฌ ๐ญ๐ก๐ ๐ก๐จ๐ซ๐ฌ๐ ๐ฆ๐จ๐ฏ๐๐ฌ ๐ก๐ข๐ฌ ๐ก๐๐๐?
EDIT: Please see additional information from Dr. Haussler in the comment section, in answer to your questions.
Every now and then, a Member of this community will ask Dr. Haussler a question - we like to share his answers with all of you.
"The funicular portion of the nuchal ligament passes over the C2 spinous process and is normally anchored by loose connective tissue to the bone below. As the horseโs head flexes and extends, that portion of the ligament must lengthen and shorten. It will normally stay in place along the midline (no โflippingโ back and forth), also because there is a slight concavity on the top of the C2 spinous process.
However, with repetitive use, that soft tissue connection can break down. With atlantooccipital flexion, the nuchal ligament is stretched. With added lateral bending, that portion of the ligament is less anchored down and can displace off the spinous process and โpopโ to one side or the other.
As with any displaced ligament or tendon, less tension and increased stabilization is required to help keep the structure in place. Otherwise, it displaces more often, and due to repeated local trauma, a bursa forms and fills with fluid, resulting in bursitis."
Image credit: Ivana Ruddock-Lange | Equine Anatomy in Layers
