Nuchal funiculus

The nuchal funiculus forms the dorsal part of the nuchal ligament. It extends from the occiput to the dorsal ends of the spinous processes of the first thoracic vertebrae. It is composed of two symmetrical, laterally flattened parts.

In the absence of a nuchal layer in carnivores, the nuchal funiculus is equivalent to the nuchal ligament and inserts onto the axis.