Ligaments of the lumbar spine

Question 1

Position + attachments of anterior longitudinal ligament?

Answer 1

Attaches to anterior part of bodies and discs from anterior tubercle of atlas to the pelvic surface of sacrum, widening as it descends. It is between 1 and 2 mm thick and consists of three dense layers of collagen fibres.

Question 2

Function of the anterior longitudinal ligament?

Answer 2

Preventing Hyperextension - It helps prevent excessive movement that could lead to disc herniation or injury.

Maintaining Stability – It reinforces the intervertebral discs and vertebral bodies, contributing to spinal stability.

Supporting Posture – It plays a role in maintaining the natural curvature of the spine, particularly in the cervical and lumbar regions.

Question 3

Position + attachments of posterior longitudinal ligament?

Answer 3

Attaches to intervertebral discs and adjacent margins of vertebral bodies within the vertebral canal, extending from C2 to sacrum. It is between 1 and 1.4 mm thick and consists of two dense layers of collagen fibres.

Question 4

Function of the posterior longitudinal ligament?

Answer 4

Prevents Excessive Flexion

Supports the Intervertebral Discs – It reinforces the posterior aspect of the intervertebral discs, helping to prevent disc herniation into the spinal canal. However, since it is narrower than the anterior longitudinal ligament, it provides less resistance, making posterolateral disc herniations more common.

Protects the Spinal Cord – By lining the anterior aspect of the vertebral canal, it provides some protection to the spinal cord and nerve roots.

Maintains Spinal Stability – It contributes to overall vertebral column integrity and stability by connecting adjacent vertebrae.

Question 5

Position and attachments of the ligamentum flavum?

Answer 5

Passes between both laminae of adjacent vertebrae from C1 to L5, attaching to front of the lower border of the lamina above and back of the upper border of the lamina below: the medial borders meet at the root of the spine. Contains a large amount of elastic tissue.

Question 7

Position and attachments of Interspinous ligament?

Answer 7

Thin membranous bands between adjacent vertebral spines

Question 8

Function of the Interspinous ligament?

Answer 8

Limits Excessive Flexion
Contributes to Spinal Stability – It works with other spinal ligaments (like the supraspinous ligament and ligamentum flavum) to maintain vertebral alignment and stability.

Provides Attachment for Muscles – Some deep back muscles, such as the interspinales, attach to the interspinous ligaments, assisting in posture and movement.

Assists in Load Distribution – By helping distribute forces during movement, it reduces stress on intervertebral discs and facet joints.

Question 9

Position and attachment of the Supraspinous ligament?

Answer 9

Attaches between adjacent tips of vertebral spinous processes and is continuous with the edge of the interspinous ligament

Question 10

Function of the supraspinous ligament?

Answer 10

Limits Excessive Flexion

Enhances Spinal Stability – It works alongside other ligaments, such as the interspinous ligament and ligamentum flavum, to maintain vertebral alignment.

Provides Muscle Attachment – Some muscles, like the trapezius and latissimus dorsi, attach to the supraspinous ligament, aiding in spinal movement and posture.

Distributes Mechanical Stress – It helps absorb and distribute forces during spinal movement, reducing strain on intervertebral discs and facet joints.

Question 11

Attachment and position of the intertransverse ligament?

Answer 11

Passes between adjacent transverse processes