ARTHOLOGY OF THE VERTEBRAL COLUMN - intervertebral disc ligaments Flashcards
What vertebral levels will the ALL attach to?
those between occiput and S3 invlusive are traditionally indicated
What is the function of the ALL?
it brakes or limits dorsi-flexion or hyperextension of the vertebral column
What was ossification of the ALL in the lumbar region identified as?
Forestier’s Disease
ALL ossification in the lumbar region is now identified as ___?
Diffuse Idiopathic Skeletal Hyperostosis or DISH
What vertebral levels will the PLL attach to?
those between C2 and S3 inclusive are traditionallly indicated
Newer research suggests what regional variation in the PLL?
prominent in cervicals, occasional in thoracics, rare in lumbars
Newer research suggests what regional variation in the PLL?
prominent in the cervicals, occasional in the thoracics, rare in the lumbars
What is the relationship of the PLL to the vertebral foramen?
it forms the anterior boundary of the spinal canal
What is the appearance of the posterior longitudinal ligament along the thoracic spine
it is hourglass shaped along its lateral margins
Where is ossification of the PLL most commonly identified?
the cervical spine with an 80% incidence
What is the clinical sign of PLL ossification in the cervical spine?
a loss of hand and finger dexterity
What is the clinical sign of PLL ossification in the lumbar spine?
faltering gait
What is the gender, age, and ethnic bias associated with ossification of the PLL?
it is greater in males over 50 and has a higher incidence in the Japanese
What is the acronym for ossification of the PLL?
OPLL
At one time ossification of the PLL was an example of what condition?
Diffuse Idiopathic Skeletal Hyperostosis or DISH
What vertebral levels wil the ligamenum flavum be attached to?
those between C2 and S1 inclusive are traditionally indicated
What are the specific bony attaching sites for the ligamentum flavum?
the laminae
What will the ligamentum flavum attach to in addition to the lamina?
they may blend with the capsular ligament of the zygapophysis
What is the name given to the ligamentum flavum based on appearance and histology?
it is a yellow elastic ligament
What fibers are most ligaments made up of?
collagen type I fibers which are whitish in appearance
What is the color of most ligaments in the body?
they are whitish
What is now thought to be a major function of the ligamentum flavum?
it is an early prime factor in extension of the vertebral column
Where is ossification of the ligamentum flavum most commonly identified?
the thoracic spine or thoracolumbar transition zone
What is the acronym for ossification of the ligamentum flavum?
OLF
What is the relationship between the capsular ligament and mobility?
the more lax/loose the capsular ligament is, the greater the motion of the joint
What regions of the vertebral column demonstrate the greatest laxity of capsular ligaments?
the cervical and lumbar regions
What layers are present in the capsular ligament?
a superficial layer of collagen fibers and a deep layer of elastic fibers
The capsular ligament may blend with which other common ligament?
the ligamentum flavum
What muscle will blend with the capsular ligament posteriorly?
the multifidis
What is the pattern of innervation for the zygapophysis capsular ligament?
it is typically innervated by 3 spinal nerves
If the zygapophyseal capsular ligament is not significantly involved in restricting motion what is its function?
it is probably involved in proprioceptive feedback to the muscles stabilizing the vertebral couple during movement
What vertebral levels will the interspinous ligament be attached to
those betweeen C2 and S1 inclusive are traditionally indicated
What is the status of the human interspinous ligament compared with other common ligaments?
they are poorly developed as ligaments although collagen fibers are present
What is the status of the cervical interspinous ligament?
it is lacking, poorly developed, or simply considered the deep anterior part of the ligamentum nuchae
What is the status of the lumbar interspinous ligament?
it is broad and thick with three layers identified from anterior to posterior
What is the classic function of the interspinous ligament?
it brakes or limits flexion of the vertebral column
What is now thought to be a major function of the interspinous ligament?
it is more likely a proprioceptive transducer for the spinal reflex
What will the ligamentum nuchae be attached to?
the external occipital protuberance, external occipital crest, the posterior tubercle of the posterior arch of C1, and spinous tubercles between C2 and C7 inclusive are traditionally indicated
What is the name given to the superficial layer of the ligamentum nuchae?
the funicular layer or part
What is the name given to the deep layer of the ligamentum nuchae?
the lamellar layer or part
What are the attachment sites for the superficial layer of the ligamentum nuchae?
the lamellar layer or part
What are the attachment sites for the superficial layer of the ligamentum nuchae?
the external occipital protuberance, external occipital crest, and spinous tubercle of C7
What is the histological make-up of the ligamentum nuchae in quadrupeds?
it is a yellow elastic ligament
What is the primary yellow elastic or elastic ligament of the spine?
the ligamentum flavum
What will the supraspinous ligament be attached to?
the spinous tubercles along the vertebral column from C7 to sacrum
What is the termination level inferiorly for the supraspinous ligament according to current literature?
primarily at L4 (73%); between L4 and L5 (5%)
Where is the supraspinous ligament said to be best developed?
in the lumbar spine
What is now thought to be a major function of the suprasinous ligament?
it is a proprioceptive transducer for the spinal reflex
What will the intertransverse ligament be attached to?
the transverse tubercles and transverse processes of adjacent vertebrae along the vertebral column from C1 to L5
What is the status of the cervical intertransverse ligament?
it is said to b epaired with an anterior and a posterior intertransverse ligament present
What is the status of the lumbar intertransverse ligament?
it is well developed with two parts identified, a ventral slip and a dorsal slip
What part of the lumbar intertransverse ligament covers the intervertebral foramen?
the ventral slip
What part of the intertransverse ligament in the lumbar spine divides the body wall into an anterior muscular compartment and a posterior muscular compartment?
the dorsal slip
