Ligaments

Question 1

Lower Cervical Spine Ligaments C2-C7

Answer 1

> A.LL - attaches to anterior vertebral bodies + discs
- limits extension
P.L.L - attaches to posterior vertebral bodies + discs
- limits flexion
Ligamentum Flavum - attaches to lamina of adjacent vertebrae
- Limits flexion
Intertransverse Lig - Mostly muscles fibres in cervical spine
Interspinous Ligs - connect the spinous processes - blends with ligamentum nuchae
- limits flexion
Ligamentum Nuchae - Ext Occ Protuberance to spinous processes (+post. tubercle of C1) up to C7 where it forms supraspinous ligament
- Limits Flexion

Question 2

Apical Ligament

Answer 2

> Apex of the dens of C2 to anterior edge of foramen magnum

> Prevents unwanted longitudinal distraction of occiput away from spine

Question 3

Alar Ligaments

Answer 3

> Attached from either side of the dens to the medial aspects of the occiput (either side of foramen magnum)
Limits flexion (bilaterally) /rotation (ipsilaterally)/side flexion (contralaterally) - relaxed in extension
prevents distraction of C1 on C2

Question 4

Transverse Ligament

Answer 4

> Divides ring of atlas into 2 compartments
- anterior = dens
- posterior = spinal cord
Articular cartilage cells on anterior surface aid articulation with dens
Holds dens and atlas in close approximation- prevents anterior displacement of atlas on axis

Question 5

Anterior Atlanto-Occipital Membrane

Answer 5

> Continuation + broadening of A.L.L
Anterior Dens to Anterior aspect of atlas to anterior margin of foramen magnum
Prevents unwanted extension (+ limit rotation)

Question 6

Tectorial Membrane

Answer 6

> Continuation of P.L.L
Posterior aspect of dens to anterior edge of foramen magnum (superficial to alar + apical)
Prevents unwanted flexion

Question 7

Cruciform ligament

Answer 7

> Works with transverse ligament to hold dens in place
- superior band = from dens to foramen magnum
- inferior band = from dens to body of C2
*interlinks with transverse lig to form cross
limits flexion + displacement of C1 on C2

Question 8

Posterior atlanto-occipital membrane

Answer 8

> Continuation of Ligamentum flavum
Connects lamina of C1-C2 and then to posterior margin of foramen magnum
Posterior unwanted flexion (+rotation)

Question 9

Ligamentum Nuchae

Answer 9

> External Occipital Protuberance to Spinous Process of C7
- Connects with all spinous processes + posterior tubercle of C1 on way
Limits flexion