Non-segmental Syndesmoses Of The Spine

Question 1

Name the 4 non-segmental syndesmoses of the spine

Answer 1

Ant. + post. Longitudinal ligament, supraspinous ligament, ligamentum nuchae

Question 2

This vertebral syndesmosis is found btwn the ant. Surfaces of vertebral bodies + IVDs. Where are they narrower? Broader?

Answer 2

Anterior longitudinal ligament (ALL)
Cranially, caudally

Question 3

In the regions of vertebral column lacking IVDs where does the ALL (ligament) attach? What type of membrane is involved at these locations?

Answer 3

Basilar of occipital, Ant. Tubercle of atlas
Btwn occipital + C1 = atlantooccipital mmbrn
Btwn C1 + C2 = atlantoaxial mmbrn

Question 4

This vertebral syndesmosis lies in the vertebral canal and attaches to vertebral bodies + IVDs

Answer 4

Posterior Longitudinal Ligament (PLL)

Question 5

Where does the PLL (ligament) span? Where is it broader? Where is it denticulated? What is it continuous with + where?

Answer 5

Body of axis to sacrum
Cervical + thoracic
Lower thoracic + lumbar (broader over discs, narrow over bodies)
Tectorial membrane above C2

Question 6

This vertebral syndesmosis connects apices of SPs

Answer 6

Supraspinous ligament

Question 7

What makes up the supraspinous ligament? Where does it span? What replaces it + where?

Answer 7

Strong fibrous cord spans C7 to sacrum
Ligamentum nuchae btwn C7 and occipital

Question 8

This vertebral syndesmosis is homologous w/ supraspinous + interspinous ligaments. What type of membrane does it have?

Answer 8

Ligamentum nuchae
Bilaminar, fibroelastic membrane

Question 9

Where does Ligamentum Nuchae attach? What is it’s function?

Answer 9

From ext. occipital protuberance (along median occipital crest), post. Tubercle of atlas, SPs of cervical
Passively support head