Ligaments of the neck

Question 1

What are the 6 ligaments of the neck?

Answer 1

ligamentum nuchae

transverse (cruciate) of atlas

tectorial membrane

alar

anterior atlanto-occipital membrane

posterior atlanto-occipital membrane

Question 2

What are the attachments of the ligamentum nuchae?

Answer 2

C7 spinous process –> external occipital protuberence with slips to intervening spinous processes

Question 3

What is the function of the ligamentum nuchae?

Answer 3

attachment for cervical muscles

Question 4

What are the attachments of the transverse (cruciate) of atlas ligament?

Answer 4

lateral mass –> lateral mass of atlas

Question 5

What is the function of the transverse (cruciate) of atlas?

Answer 5

maintains articulation between dens and anterior arch of the atlas

Question 6

What are the attachments of the tectorial membrane?

Answer 6

posterior surface of axial body –> anterior margin of foramen magnum

Question 7

What is the function of the tectorial membrane?

Answer 7

supports atlanto-occipital and atlanto-axial joints

Question 8

What are the attachments of the alar ligament?

Answer 8

dens –> medial aspect of occipital condyles

Question 9

What is the function of the alar ligament?

Answer 9

limits rotation of the median atlanto-axial joint

Question 10

What are the attachments of the anterior atlanto-occipital membrane?

Answer 10

anterior arch of atlas –> adjacent occipital bone

Question 11

What is the function of the anterior atlanto-occipital membrane?

Answer 11

supports atlanto-occipital joints and helps to limit extension of the head

Question 12

What are the attachments of the posterior atlanto-occipital membrane?

Answer 12

posterior arch of atlas –> adjacent occipital bone

Question 13

What is the function of the posterior atlanto-occipital membrane?

Answer 13

supports atlanto-occipital joints