The uncovered nape of amaiko's neckCat carrying a kitten by its nape, known as the "scruff"
Thenape is the back of theneck. In technical anatomical/medical terminology, the nape is also called thenucha (from theMedieval Latin rendering of theArabicنُخَاع,'spinal marrow'). The corresponding adjective isnuchal, as in the termnuchal rigidity forneck stiffness.
In many mammals, the nape bears a loose, non-sensitive area of skin, known as thescruff, by which a mother carries her young by her teeth, temporarily immobilizing it during transport. In the mating ofcats, the male will grip the female's scruff with his teeth to help immobilize her during the act,[1] a form ofpinch-induced behavioral inhibition.
In traditional Japanese culture, the nape (項,unaji) was one of the few areas of the body (other than face and hands) left uncovered by women's attire. The nape of a woman's neck held a strong attraction for many Japanese men (seeoshiroi).[2]
In Egyptian and Lebanese culture, slapping the nape is considered a gesture of utter humiliation.[3]
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