Ligaments of the Vertebral ColumnThis is a featured page

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Ligaments of the Vertebral Column



Anterior longitudinal ligament
  • Runs from the skull (occipital bone) to the sacrum on the anterior surface of the vertebral bodies and intervertebral disks.
  • Is narrowest at the upper end but widens as it descends , maintaining the stability of the joints.
  • Limits extension of the vertebral column, supports the annulus fibrosus anteriorly, and resists gravitational pull.
Posterior longitudinal ligament
  • Interconnects the vertebral bodies and intervertebral disks posteriorly and narrows as it descends .
  • Supports the posterior aspect of the vertebral bodies and the annulus fibrosus , but it runs anterior to the spinal cord within the vertebral canal.
  • Limits flexion of the vertebral column and resists gravitational pull.
Ligamentum flavum
  • Connects the laminae of two adjacent vertebrae and functions to maintain the upright posture .
  • Forms the posterior wall of the vertebral canal between the vertebrae and may be pierced during lumbar (spinal) puncture.
Ligamentum nuchae (back of neck)
  • Is a triangular-shaped median fibrous septum between the muscles on the two sides of the posterior aspect of the neck.
  • Is formed by thickened supraspinous ligaments that extend from vertebra C7 to the external occipital protuberance and crest.
  • Is also attached to the posterior tubercle of the atlas and to the spinous processes of the other cervical vertebrae.

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AndyC
AndyC
Latest page update: made by AndyC , Feb 28 2011, 6:32 AM EST (about this update About This Update AndyC Edited by AndyC

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