Interspinous Ligament

Question 1

What is the classification of the interspinous ligament-spinous process joint?

Answer 1

fibrous (amphiarthrosis) syndesmosis

Question 2

What vertebral levels will the interspinous ligament be attached to?

Answer 2

those between C2 and S1 inclusive

Question 3

What are the specific bony attaching sites for the interspinous ligament?

Answer 3

along the length of the spinous process

Question 4

What is the status of the human interspinous ligament compared with other common ligaments?

Answer 4

they are poorly developed as ligaments although collagen fibers are present

Question 5

With which other common ligaments will the interspinous ligament blend or fuse?

Answer 5

• posteriorly with the ligamentum nuchae in the cervical spine
• posteriorly with the supraspinous ligament in the thoracic and lumbar spine
• anteriorly with the ligamentum flavum

Question 6

What is the status of the cervical interspinous ligament?

Answer 6

it is lacking, poorly developed, or simply considered the deep anterior part of the ligamentum nuchae

Question 7

What is the status of the thoracic interpsinous ligament?

Answer 7

it is narrow and elongated reflecting the shape of the spinous process

Question 8

What is the status of the lumbar interspinous ligament?

Answer 8

it is broad and thick with three layers identified from anterior to posterior

Question 9

What is now thought to be a major function of the interspinous ligament?

Answer 9

it is more likely a proprioceptive transducer for the spinal reflex