Joints/Ligaments of Vertebral Column

Question 1

zygapophysial joint

Answer 1

between superior and inferior articular processes

permit gliding movements

Question 2

ligamenta flava

Answer 2

joints the laminae of adjacent vertebral arches

resist separation of laminae by stopping abrupt flexion of vertebral column; help preserve posture and assist with straightening the column after flexing

Question 3

interspinous ligaments

Answer 3

between the surfaces of spinous processes

weak

Question 4

supraspinous ligaments

Answer 4

runs along the edge of the spinous processes

strong

merges superiorly with the nuchal ligament

Question 5

nuchal ligament

Answer 5

strong median ligament of the neck

extends from external occipital protuberance and posterior border of the foramen magnum to the spinous processes of the cervical vertebrae

Question 6

atlanto-occipital joints

Answer 6

between lateral masses of C1 and the occipital condyles

permits nodding of the head

Question 7

anterior and posterior atlanto-occipital membranes

Answer 7

extend from anterior and posterior arches of C1 to the anterior and posterior margins of the foramen magnum

help prevent excessive movement of these joints

Question 8

lateral atlanto-axial joints

Answer 8

between lateral masses of C1 and superior facets of C2

permits the “no” movement

Question 9

medial atlanto-axial joint

Answer 9

between the dens of C2 and the anterior arch and transverse ligament of the atlas

Question 10

transverse ligament of the atlas

Answer 10

between tubercles on the medial aspects of the lateral masses of the C1 vertebrae

Question 11

superior longitudinal band

Answer 11

from transverse ligament of the atlas to the occipital bone

along with the inferior longitudinal band and the transverse ligament of the atlas, it forms the cruciate ligament

Question 12

inferior longitudinal band

Answer 12

from transverse ligament of the atlas to the body of C2

along with the superior longitudinal band and the transverse ligament of the atlas, it forms the cruciate ligament

Question 13

alar ligament

Answer 13

extend from the sides of the dens to the lateral margins of the foramen magnum

prevent excessive rotation at the joints

Question 14

tectorial membrane

Answer 14

superior continuation of the posterior longitudinal ligament

runs from body of C2 to the internals surface of the occipital bone

covers the alar ligaments and transverse ligaments of the atlas