Back & Vertebral Column - Joints and Ligaments

Question 1

structure of the anterior longitudinal ligament?

Answer 1

strong, wide, but a thin and flat sheet

Question 2

location of the anterior longitudinal ligament?

Answer 2

from base of occipital bone to sacrum

Question 3

structure of the posterior longitudinal ligament?

Answer 3

narrow and thin - extends laterally at IVDs

Question 4

location of the posterior longitudinal ligament?

Answer 4

along posterior aspect of vertebral bodies form C2 to sacrum

Question 5

structure & location of the ligamentum flavum?

Answer 5

small & composed of 80% elastin and 20% collagen - high elastin content gives it a yellow colour

connect lamina of adjacent vertebrae

Question 6

structure & location of the interspinous ligaments?

Answer 6

thin and weak

between adjacent spinous processes

Question 7

structure & location of the supraspinous ligaments?

Answer 7

strong fibrous cord - tougher and thicker than interspinous ligaments

runs through posterior tips of spinous processes from C7-sacrum

Question 8

structure & location of the intertransverse ligaments?

Answer 8

thin ligaments - connect adjacent transverse processes

Question 9

function of anterior longitudinal ligament

Answer 9

prevents hyperextension - increases tension as spine extends
joins anterior vertebral bodies & IVDs

Question 10

function of posterior longitudinal ligament

Answer 10

prevents hyperflexion & posterior disc prolapses

Question 11

functions of ligamentum flavum (3)

Answer 11

prevents hyperflexion
accommodates flexing movements (due to elastic nature)
forms posterior wall of vertebral canal & protects spinal cord

Question 12

function of interspinous ligaments

Answer 12

stabilising structure for adjacent spinous processes

Question 13

functions of supraspinous ligaments (2)

Answer 13

prevents hyperflexion
supports posterior aspect of VC

Question 14

function of intertransverse ligaments

Answer 14

limits lateral flexion - i.e. left IT ligament prevents excessive right side lateral flexion

Question 15

list the cruciform ligaments

Answer 15

transverse ligament of atlas
superior & inferior longitudinal bands (2)
alar ligaments (2)

Question 16

what ligament is a superior continuation of the supraspinous ligament?

Answer 16

nuchal ligament

Question 17

location of nuchal ligament - superior & inferior attachments?

Answer 17

superior attachment to external occipital protuberance of the occipital bone

inferior attachments of spinous processes of C1-7

Question 18

location of transverse ligament of atlas - attachments?

Answer 18

lateral masses of C1 to posterior aspect of dens on C2

Question 19

describe the attachments/ locations of the superior & inferior longitudinal bands

Answer 19

superior & inferior bands originate from the transverse ligament

superior band = from transverse ligament to occipital bone

inferior band = from transverse ligament to inferior C2 body

Question 20

describe the attachments/ locations of the alar ligaments

Answer 20

either side of dens - extend superolaterally to occipital bone

Question 21

function of the ligamentum nuchae?

Answer 21

prevents neck hyperflexion - tension increases as the head bends forwards

Question 22

function of the transverse ligament of atlas?

Answer 22

prevents posterior displacement of dens into spinal canal - could otherwise damage the spinal cord

Question 23

function of the superior & inferior longitudinal bands?

Answer 23

works with transverse ligament to stabilise dens

Question 24

functions of the alar ligaments? (2)

Answer 24

prevents posterior displacement & stabilises dens
prevents excessive rotation of the cervical spine

Question 25

what cervical spine ligaments prevent posterior displacement & help stabilise the dens (3)

Answer 25

transverse ligament of atlas
superior & inferior longitudinal bands
alar ligaments

Question 26

what vertebral column ligaments prevent hyperflexion?

Answer 26

posterior longitudinal ligament
ligamentum flavum
supraspinous ligaments
intertransverse ligaments - prevent contralateral flexion