3. Ligaments of spine

Question 1

which ligaments stabilise the vertebral bodies

Answer 1

1. anterior longitudinal ligament (stronger)

2. posterior longitudinal ligament

Question 2

what is the course and function of the anterior longitudinal ligament

Answer 2

• course: anterior tubercle of atlas to sacrum, united with periosteum of vertebral bodies but mobile over intervertebral discs
• function: prevents hyperextension

Question 3

what is the course and function of the posterior longitudinal ligament

Answer 3

• course: body of axis to sacral canal

- function: prevents hyperflexion

Question 4

which ligaments stabilise the facet joints

Answer 4

1. ligamentum flavum
2. interspinous ligament
3. supraspinous ligament

Question 5

what is the location and function of ligamentum flavum

Answer 5

• stretches between laminae of adjacent vertebrae

- prevents hyperflexion

Question 6

what colour is the ligamentum flavum and why

Answer 6

yellow due to high elastin

Question 7

what is the location and function of interspinous ligament

Answer 7

• weak sheets of fibrous tissue that unite spinous processes along adjacent borders (well developed only in lumbar region)
• provides stability in flexion

Question 8

what is the location and function of supraspinous ligament

Answer 8

• strong band of white fibrous tissue linking tips of adjacent spinous processes
• prevents hyperflexion

Question 9

what is the ligamentum nuchae

Answer 9

thickening of supraspinous ligament attached to external occipital protruberance… spinous processes of all cervical vertebrae… spinous process of C7

Question 10

name 3 functions of ligamentum nuchae

Answer 10

1) maintains secondary curvature of cervical spine
2) helps cervical spine support head
3) major site of attachment of neck and trunk muscles (e.g. trapezius, rhomboids)