Vertebral ligaments

Question 1

What is the role of anterior longitudinal ligament

Answer 1

Prevents hyperextension
Maintaining stability of joints between vertebral bodies
Only ligament that prevents hyperextension

Question 2

Explain/describe the anterior longitudinal ligament

Answer 2

Strong, broad fibrous band that covers and connects anterolateral aspects of vertebral bodies and IV disc
Ligament extends from pelvic surface of sacrum to anterior tubercle of vertebrae C1 and occipital bone anterior to foramen magnum

Question 3

What is the role of posterior longitudinal ligament

Answer 3

weakly resists hyperflexion

helps prevent or redirect posterior herniation of nucleus pulposus

Question 4

Explain/describe the posterior longitudinal ligament

Answer 4

Much narrower and weaker than anterior longitudinal ligament
Runs within vertebral canal along posterior aspect of vertebral bodies
Attached mainly to IV discs
Well provided with nociceptive (pain) nerve endings; hence readily recognises herniation

Question 5

Explain the structure and location of ligamentum nuchae

Answer 5

Nuchal ligament
Strong, broad median band at back of neck
Composed of thickened fibraelastic tissue
External occipital proturberance and posterior border of foramen magnum to spinous process of cervical vertebrae

Question 6

Explain the structure and location of ligamentum flavum

Answer 6

Broad, pale yellow elastic tissue
Runs between laminar of adjacent vertebral arches
Extends almost vertically from lamina above to lamina below

Question 7

What is the role of the ligamentum flavum

Answer 7

Resists separation of vertebral lamina by arresting abrupt flexion of vertebral column and IV discs
Helps preserve normal curvatures and assist with straightening after flexing
Brakes flexion movement and recoil to upright (assists posterior longitudinal ligament)

Question 8

Explain the role and structure of interspinous ligament

Answer 8

weak and almost membranous

Unites adjoining spinous process with help of supraspinous ligament

Question 9

Explain the structure of intertransverse ligament

Answer 9

Connects adjacent transverse processes
Consists of scattered fibres in cervical and fibrous cords in thoracic
Thin and membranous in lumbar region

Question 10

What is the function of the intertransverse ligament

Answer 10

limits lateral flexion

Question 11

Explain the role and structure of supraspinous ligament

Answer 11

Strong and fibrous
Connects apices (tips) of spinous processes from C7 to sacrum
merges superiorly with ligamentum nuchae
Limits hyperfelxion (assists posterior longitudinal ligament)

Question 12

What is the role of the costotransverse and costovertebral ligament

Answer 12

Restrain motion of rib and allow them to work in parallel fashion during breathing

Question 13

What is the role of the zygapophyseal ligament

Answer 13

Resists forward sliding and twisting of vertebral bodies

Question 14

What is the role of the uncovertebral ligament

Answer 14

Only at cervical region
Limits lateral flexion
Formed b/w unicinate process

Question 15

Describe the course of the vertebral artery, from where it arises to where it forms the basilar artery

Answer 15

Heart-Vertebral artery:
Heart
Arch of aorta
Left/right subclavian artery
Left/right verterbral artery (from posterosuperior portion of subclavian artery)
Verterbral artery course:
Ascends through foramina of transverse processes of cervical vertebral (usually starting from C6
Winds behind articular process of atlas
Enters cranium through foramen magnum where it unites with the opposite vertebral artery
Forming the basilar artery at lower border of pons

Question 16

What are the alar ligaments

Answer 16

Alar ligaments connect the sides of dens (on axis/C2) to tubercles on medial side of occipital condyle
Short, tough, fibrous cords that attach on skull and on the axis

Question 17

What is the function of Alar ligaents

Answer 17

Function to check side-to-side movements of the head when it is turned
Resists excess rotation

Question 18

What movements is alar ligament taut and lax in

Answer 18

Tuat in:
Flexion
Rotation
Contralateral side flexion
Lax in neutral position

Question 19

What are the movements of the vertebral column

Answer 19

Range of movement varies according to region and individual
Mobility results primarily from compressibility and elasticity of IV discs
Capable of flexion/extension. lateral flexion/extension (bending left/right and coming back) and rotation (torsion)

Question 20

What is the ROM of vertebral column limited by

Answer 20

Thickness, elasticity and compressibility of IV discs
Shape and orientation of zygapophyseal joint
Tension of the joint capsules of the zygapophyseal joints
Resistance of the back muscles and ligaments
Attachment of the thoracic (rib) cage
Bulk of surrounding tissue (Fat)
Age
Muscle tone/muscle bulk

Question 21

How are vertebral movements produced

Answer 21

By back muscles, gravity and action of anterolateral abdominal muscles