Transverse ligament of atlas
Transverse ligament of the atlas | |
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Membrana tectoria, transverse, and alar ligaments. (Transverse ligament visible at center.) | |
Details | |
Identifiers | |
Latin | ligamentum transversum atlantis |
TA98 | A03.2.04.006 |
TA2 | 1703 |
FMA | 24961 |
Anatomical terminology] |
In
Structure
The length of the ligament is variable; its mean length is 2 cm.[1]
The ligament broadens[1] and thickens[2] medially. The anterior medial aspect of the ligament is lined by a thin layer of articular cartilage.[1] The neck of the odontoid process is constricted where it is embraced posteriorly by the transverse ligament[2] so it retains the dens in position even after all other ligaments have been sectioned.[1]
Attachments
The ligament attaches on either side onto a small yet prominent tubercle upon the medial aspect of either lateral mass of atlas.[1]
Cruciate ligament
A strong median band (crus superius[2]) extends superiorly from the superior margin of the ligament to attach onto the basilar part of occipital bone (between the attachments of the apical ligament of dens, and tectorial membrane). A weaker and somewhat inconsistent median band (crus inferius[2]) extends inferiorly from the ligament to attach onto the posterior aspect of the[1] body of[2] axis. The ligament and the two median bands together constitute the cruciate ligament of atlas.[1]
Relations
The transverse ligament divides the vertebral foramen of the axis into an anterior portion (constituting one third of its lumen) which contains the dens, and a posterior portion (constituting two thirds of the foramen's lumen) which contains the spinal cord and its coverings[1] as well as the two accessory nerves (CN XI).[2]
Clinical significance
Excessive laxity of the posterior transverse ligament can lead to