Which statement about the layers of the ligamentum nuchae is true?

Which statement about the layers of the ligamentum nuchae is true?

• A. Funicular layer is superficial; lamellar layer is deep.
• B. Lamellar layer is superficial; funicular layer is deep.
• C. Both layers are superficial.
• D. There are three layers.

Answer: (A)

The lig​amentum nuchae in the neck consists of two parts: a superficial funicular portion and a deeper lamellar portion. The funicular layer forms a strong midline cord just beneath skin and the trapezius, so it sits superficially. The lamellar portion lies deeper as two sheets that extend down to the spinous processes of the cervical vertebrae. Therefore, the statement that the funicular layer is superficial and the lamellar layer is deep is correct. The other options don’t fit because there are only two layers, and the lamellar part is not superficial.

The lig​amentum nuchae in the neck consists of two parts: a superficial funicular portion and a deeper lamellar portion. The funicular layer forms a strong midline cord just beneath skin and the trapezius, so it sits superficially. The lamellar portion lies deeper as two sheets that extend down to the spinous processes of the cervical vertebrae. Therefore, the statement that the funicular layer is superficial and the lamellar layer is deep is correct. The other options don’t fit because there are only two layers, and the lamellar part is not superficial.