Ligaments of the Spinal Column (Quiz 3, Exam 3) Flashcards
Common articulations of the spine are C2/C3-L5/S1. They have a similar structure and ligaments in all ____ joints, and its a common classification for all the joints
23
Which vertebrae have common articulations of the spine?
C2/C3-L5/S1
What is the joint classification for the joint between the vertebral bodies?
cartilaginous disc joint
How many ligaments are a part of the joint between the vertebral bodies? What are they?
3 distinct ligaments:
1) IVD
2) ALL
3) PLL
The IVDs are ____ separate and distinct ligaments found from _________
23, C2/C3-L5/S1
T/F: the ALL is 1 continuous ligament
true
Which ligament is attached at each level and unites the anterior bodies and IVDs at each level?
ALL
Which ligament has a thin cord from the basion to the C2 body?
test q
ALL
Which ligament has a wide band from C2 to the S1 promontory?
test q
ALL
Which ligament is wide at C2 and S1?
test q
ALL
Which ligament is thinnest in the cervicals, but thickest in the thoracic spine?
test q
ALL
What is the function of the ALL?
assists the IVD in limiting extension
Which ligament unites the posterior bodies and IVDs at each level from C2-S1?
PLL
Which ligament forms the anterior wall of the neural canal?
PLL
Which ligament tightly fuses to the posterior annulus fibrosus of the IVDs and is loosely attached to the posterior bodies?
PLL
Which ligament allows for emission of the basi-vertebral foramina underneath?
PLL
Which ligament is is widely attached across the IVDs and is narrowly attached between the pedicles?
PLL
Which ligament is denser than the ALL?
PLL
Which ligament extends upward as the membrana tectoria?
PLL
What is the joint classification for the joint between the spinous processes?
simple fibrous joint
What are the 3 ligaments a part of the joint between the spinous processes?
1) interspinous ligaments
2) supraspinous ligament
3) nuchal ligament
Which ligaments are 23 separate ligaments that unite 1 SP with the SP above?
interspinous ligaments
Which ligaments run from C2/C3-L5/1st sacral tubercle and extends from the base to the tip of each SP?
interspinous ligaments
Which ligament is 1 continuous ligament from C7-S1?
supraspinous ligament
Which ligament has a thick cord uniting the distal tubercles of successive spinouses?
supraspinous ligament
Which ligament has its anterior edge fused with the interspinous ligaments?
supraspinous ligament
Which ligament extends upward as the posterior cord of the nuchal ligament?
test q
supraspinous ligament
What are the 2 portions called of the nuchal ligament, also known as ligamentum nuchae?
1) cord-like posterior portion (also known as posterior cervical ligament)
2) membranous anterior portion
Which ligament is somewhat elastic and is a direct upward continuation of the supraspinous ligament?
cord like posterior portion of the nuchal ligament
Which ligament is attached from C7 to the EOP?
test q
cord like posterior portion of the nuchal ligament
Which ligament is a thin, delicate membrane that forms a mid-sagittal septum?
membranous anterior portion of the nuchal ligament
Which ligament attaches the posterior cord to the posterior cervical spine?
membranous anterior portion of the nuchal ligament
Which ligament is on the occipital crest/median nuchal line, posterior tubercle of C1, all cervical SPs, and interspinous ligaments?
membranous anterior portion of the nuchal ligament
Which joint can easily break in traumas?
zygopophyseal joints
What is the joint classification for zygopophyseal joints?
gliding synovial joints
Which joint is this?
-only 1 ligament per joint/articular capsule
-23 pairs of joints L/R from C2/C3-L5/S1
-thin/loose to allow free gliding motion
zygopophyseal joints
Which joint/ligament is thinnest/loosest in the cervicals?
test q
zygopophyseal joints
Which joint/ligament is a strong, tough fibrous tissue that acts to limit ROM, resist dislocation and tearing, and is reinforced anteriorly and posteriorly?
zygopophyseal joints
What is the joint classification for the joints between the laminae?
simple fibrous joint
The joints between the lamina have only 1 ligament per joint on the L/R. There are 23 L/R pairs of _________ ligaments, also known as _____________. This runs from C2/C3-L5/S1
test q
yellow, ligamenta flava
Which ligament unites 1 lamina to the lamina above, each ligament stands alone, and the L/R touch but do not fuse in the midline?
yellow ligament, also known as ligamentum flava
Which ligament is this?
-L/R pair touch but do not fuse at the midline
-each extends laterally to the capsules but do not fuse
-touch but do not fuse with the interspinous ligament posteriorly
yellow ligament, also known as ligamentum flava
What is the most elastic ligament in the body?
test q
yellow ligament, also known as ligamentum flava
What does the yellow mean in yellow ligament, also known as ligamentum flava?
yellow means high percentage of elastin, which gives it a yellow appearance
Which ligament has a true stretch and elasticity?
yellow ligament, also known as ligamentum flava BC IT HAS HIGH PERCENTAGE OF ELASTIN
Which ligament minimizes anterior bulging during hyperextension?
yellow ligament, also known as ligamentum flava
What is the joint classification for the joints between the TPs?
simple fibrous joints
The joints between the TPs has only 1 ligament per joint pair (L/R). There are 22 distinct pairs of L/R ___________ ligaments. These ligaments attach proximally from one TP to the TP above. These joints/ligaments are found from C2/C3-______. These are only distinct in the lumbar spine and are attached to the intertransversarii muscle fascia elsewhere
intertransverse, L4/L5
What is the joint classification for the atlanto-occipital articulation?
synovial condyloid + hinge joint
note: this may vary from person to person and can be found that condyloid + hinge joint is actually ball and socket in some individuals
The L/R articular capsules of the atlanto-occipital articulation unites the _____________ to the ____________
occipital condyles, C1 lateral masses
note: they are attached marginally just below the joint surfaces and are relatively tight, which allows slight ROM
The anterior atlanto-occipital membrane unites the ___________ to the _________ directly below
anterior arch, basion
The anterior atlanto-occipital membrane is a thin-vertical membranous ligament that extends laterally to and fuses with the….
articular capsules
What is the anterior atlanto-occipital membrane homologous to?
test q
ALL and anterior atlantoaxial membrane (a thin cord of the ALL is attached to the anterior midline)
The posterior atlanto-occipital membrane unites the _____________ to the ____________ directly above
posterior arch, squamous occiput
The posterior atlanto-occipital membrane is a thin, vertical, membranous ligament that extends laterally to and fuses with the….
articular capsules
The posterior atlanto-occipital membrane has an ________ margin that arches over the superior neural groove and forms the 1st IVFs, which is known as the _________________. This allows passage of the vertebral arteries in and the C1 spinal nerves out. Sometimes, this ligament can become calcified, which is an anomaly called the posticus ponticus which is visible on a lateral cervical x-ray and defines the arcuate foramen when present
test q
inferior, arcuate foramina
The posterior atlanto-occipital membrane is homologous to what?
the yellow ligaments
What is the other name for the lateral atlanto-occipital ligaments (L/R)?
anterior oblique ligaments
The lateral atlanto-occipital ligaments (L/R), also known as anterior oblique ligaments, unite the ___________________ to the ____________ above, and are fused with the capsules medially
proximal anterior transverses, jugular processes
What is the lateral atlanto-occipital ligaments (L/R), also known as anterior oblique ligaments homologous to?
the intertransverse ligaments
What is the joint classification for the atlanto-axial articulation?
gliding + pivot synovial joints
-central atlanto-axial joint is a pivot joint
-2 lateral atlanto-axial joints are gliding joints
The central atlanto-axial joint is a joint between the ___________ and the _______
anterior arch, dens
The central atlanto-axial joint is what type of synovial joint?
pivot joint (it is an osseoligamentous ring moving around a central body pivot)
The 2 lateral atlanto-axial joints are joints between the ___________________ and the ____________________
C1 inferior articular surfaces, C2 superior articular surfaces
The 2 lateral atlanto-axial joints are what type of synovial joint?
test q
gliding synovial joint that is very freely moveable in rotation
note: 50% of cervical movement comes from here
Which ligament is a thick, strong cord of ligament that is attached between the L/R medial atlantal tubercles?
transverse ligament of the atlas
Which ligament presses against the neck of the dens at the posterior groove?
transverse ligament of the atlas
Which ligament has the dens pressed against the fovea dentalis?
transverse ligament of the atlas
What is the main ligament of the central AA joint?
transverse ligament of the atlas
Which ligament often has a synovial bursa between it and the dens?
transverse ligament of the atlas
The anterior articular capsule of the atlanto-axial joint is a very loose delicate capsule that unites the anterior articular facet of the dens with the __________ and is attached to the joint margins. This does not limit ROM, it is for lubrication purposes.
fovea dentalis
What is the capsule of the central AA joint called?
anterior articular capsule
The lateral articular capsules (L/R) of the atlanto-axial joint are strong but very loose ligaments that unite the ______________________ to the _______________________ on each side and is attached to the joint margins. The lateral articular capsules are the main ligaments of the L/R lateral joints of AA joint
C1 inferior articular surfaces, C2 superior articular surfaces
The anterior atlanto-axial membrane is a thin membranous ligament that unites the ____________________ to the ______________ directly above
anterior surface of C2, anterior arch
What is the anterior atlanto-axial membrane homologous to?
the ALL and the anterior atlanto-occipital membrane
Which ligament extends laterally to and fuses with the L/R capsules and is a thin cord of the ALL that is attached to the anterior midline?
anterior atlanto-axial membrane
The posterior atlanto-axial membrane unites the ____________ to the ______________ directly above
C2 laminae, posterior arch
Which ligament extends anterolaterally to the inferior neural notch?
posterior atlanto-axial membrane
Which ligaments anterior margin = posterior margins of the 2nd IVFs?
test q
posterior atlanto-axial membrane
What is the posterior atlanto-axial membrane homologous to?
the yellow ligaments and the posterior AO membrane
The L/R accessory ligaments unites the __________________ to the __________________
test q
posterior base of the dens, medial atlantal tubercles
Which ligament is strong, short bands of ligament that helps limit C1 contralateral rotation?
test q
L/R accessory ligaments
What is the joint classification of the occipito-axial complex?
plot twist: there are no direct articulations between C0 and C2, so no joint class :)
The occiput and C2 dens have what ligaments there?
C1 centrum ligaments
The apical/suspensory ligament unites the ______________ to the ______ directly above
apex of the dens, basion
Which ligament is a short, thick cord ligament that has a pulpy center and is a notochord remnant?
test q
apical/suspensory ligament
What is the deepest occipito-axial ligament?
test q
apical/suspensory ligament
What are the other names for L/R alar ligaments?
test q
L/R check ligaments or L/R odontoid ligaments
Which ligament goes from the lateral apex of the dens to the L/R condylar tubercles?
L/R alar ligaments, also known as check or odontoid ligaments
Which ligament is thick with strong bands and is named as the “wings of the dens”?
L/R alar ligaments, also known as check or odontoid ligaments
ala/alae= wings
The L/R alar ligaments, also known as check or odontoid ligaments help limit…..
rotation
The L/R alar ligaments, also known as check or odontoid ligaments are homologous and parallel to what?
test q
the L/R accessory ligaments
Which ligament unites the occiput, atlas, and axis?
cruciate/cruciform ligament
What are the 3 components of the cruciate/cruciform ligament?
1) horizontal (transverse ligament)
2) superior crux (superior longitudinal band)
3) inferior crux (inferior longitudinal band)
Which ligament goes from the mid-transverse ligament to the basion above and presses against the posterior dens?
superior crux (superior longitudinal band) of the cruciate/cruciform ligament
Which ligament prevents the cruciate/cruciform horizontal/transverse ligament from slipping downward?
superior crux (superior longitudinal band) of the cruciate/cruciform ligament
Which ligament goes from the mid-transverse ligament to the C2 body below?
inferior crux (inferior longitudinal band) of the cruciate/cruciform ligament
Which ligament prevents the cruciate/cruciform horizontal/transverse ligament from slipping upward?
inferior crux (inferior longitudinal band) of the cruciate/cruciform ligament
Which ligament is very important for head flexion and is superficial to the apical and alar ligaments?
test q
cruciate/cruciform ligament
What does membrana tectoria mean?
covering membrane
What is another name for membrana tectoria?
occipito-axial membrane
The ______ mater attaches to C1
dura
note: C1 rotates with nerves, C2 is sometimes attached to dura mater and rotates with
The membrana tectoria, also known as occipito-axial membrane is located at the _______________ to the ______________
posterior C2 body, internal basion
Which ligament is a broad membranous ligament that covers the cruciate ligament?
membrana tectoria, also known as occipito-axial membrane
Which ligament is a direct upward continuation of the PLL?
membrana tectoria, also known as occipito-axial membrane
Which ligament may have a synovial bursa between it and the cruciate ligament?
membrana tectoria, also known as occipito-axial membrane
Which ligament isolates the brainstem from the C1/C2 joint for rotation?
membrana tectoria, also known as occipito-axial membrane
The L/R iliolumbar ligaments unite the distal _____________ to the _____________________
L5 transverses, iliac crests and sacral tuberosities
Which ligament may have a superior band up to the L4 distal TP?
L/R iliolumbar ligaments
Which ligament is considered as “overdeveloped intertransverse ligaments” and increases lumbosacral stability?
L/R iliolumbar ligaments
The L/R lumbosacral ligaments unite the proximal L5 transverses to the….
sacral base
Which ligament is less distinct than the iliolumbar ligaments?
L/R lumbosacral ligaments
Which 2 ligaments increases lumbosacral stability?
L/R iliolumbar ligaments and L/R lumbosacral ligaments
What is the joint classification for the sacrococcygeal articulation?
cartilaginous disc joint
The intervertebral fibrocartilage ligament unites the ___________ to the _____________
sacral apex, coccygeal base
Which ligament is a rudimentary IVD?
intervertebral fibrocartilage ligament
Which ligament calcifies in sacrococcygeal fusion?
intervertebral fibrocartilage ligament
The anterior sacrococcygeal ligament unites the anterior surface of ____ to the anterior surface of ____
S5, Cc1
Which ligament is an indirect downward continuation of the ALL?
test q
anterior sacrococcygeal ligament
Which ligament is a rudimentary S1-S5 ALL?
anterior sacrococcygeal ligament
Which 2 ligaments degenerate with sacral fusion and becomes longitudinal periosteal fibers?
anterior sacrococcygeal ligament and deep posterior sacrococcygeal ligament
Which ligament continues downward as the anterior intercoccygeal ligament?
test q
anterior sacrococcygeal ligament
The L/R lateral sacrococcygeal ligaments unite the _______________ to ________________
lateral inferior angles, Cc1 rudimentary transverses
Which ligament forms the 30th IVFs (false) and allows passage of the ventral rami of the S5 spinal nerves?
test q
L/R sacrococcygeal ligaments
The L/R lateral sacrococcygeal ligaments are homologous to what?
test q
the intertransverse ligaments
Which ligament attaches the sacral cornu to the coccygeal cornu directly below?
the intercornual/ interarticular ligaments (L/R)
The intercornual/ interarticular ligaments (L/R) are homologous to what?
test q
the articular capsules
What does cornua mean?
rudimentary pre/post zygopophyses
The deep posterior sacrococcygeal ligament arises from the…
posterior surface of S5
The deep posterior sacrococcygeal ligament attaches to the….
back margin of the coccygeal base
Which ligament is an indirect downward continuation of the PLL?
test q
deep posterior sacrococcygeal ligament
Which ligament is a rudimentary S1-S5 PLL?
deep posterior sacrococcygeal ligament
Does the deep posterior sacrococcygeal ligament continue down to the posterior coccyx?
NO
The superficial posterior sacrococcygeal ligament arises off of the posterior surface of the…
deep posterior sacrococcygeal ligament
The superficial posterior sacrococcygeal ligament attaches to the posterior surface of…
Cc1
Which ligament continues downward as the posterior intercoccygeal ligament?
test q
superficial posterior sacrococcygeal ligament
What are the joint classifications for the intercoccygeal joints?
VARIES WITH AGE
-cartilaginous disc joints till approx 20 y/o
-simple fibrous joints when there is coccygeal ossification/ fusion approx 20 y/o
-fusion occurs age 30-40 in males, but 40-50 in females
Which ligament is a downward continuation of the anterior sacrococcygeal ligament?
anterior intercoccygeal ligament
Which 2 ligaments fuses with the intervertebral fibrocartilage ligaments at each level?
anterior and posterior intercoccygeal ligaments
What is the anterior intercoccygeal ligament homologous to?
the ALL
Which ligament is an inferior continuation of the superficial posterior sacrococcygeal ligament?
posterior intercoccygeal ligament
