Joints of the Axial Skeleton Flashcards
atlanto-occipital joint
continuous with the atlantoaxial joint through the articulation of the dens with the body of the axis
atlantoaxial joint
continuous with the atlanto-occipital joint through the articulation of the dens with the body of the atlas
transverse ligament of the atlas
holds the dens against the fovea dentis; passes dorsally and is attached to the body on both sides
apical ligaments
pass from the cranial ends of the dens to the basioccipital bone between the occipital condyles
alar ligaments
pass from the cranial end of the dens to the basioccipital bone between the occipital condyles
dorsal atlantoaxial ligament
thick; joins the spine of the axis to the arch of the atlas
intervertebral discs
fibrous joints between bodies
annulus fibrosus
outer circumferential collagenous fibers; usually thicker ventrally
nucleus pulposus
inner gelatinous core
ventral longitudinal ligament
on the ventral surface of the vertebral bodies and extends from the sacrum to the axis
dorsal longitudinal ligament
on the midline of the floor of the vertebral canal ventral to the spinal cord; attaches to the annulus fibrosus of the intervertebral discs; extends cranially to the axis
yellow ligaments
extend between vertebral arches to cover the epidural interarcuate space between the articular processes
interspinous ligaments
connect adjacent spines above the arches
supraspinous ligament
longitudinal band of fibrous CT that connects the apices of all spinous processes from the level of the third caudal vertebra to the first thoracic vertebra
nuchal ligament
cranial continuation of the supraspinous ligament; elastic and paired
