122 LIGAMENTS OF THE VERTEBRAL COLUMN. 



the basilar process of the occipital bone ; and below, to the anterior 

 tubercle of the atlas. The deeper ligament is a broad membranous 

 layer, attached above, to the margin of the occipital foramen ; and 

 below, to the whole length of the anterior arch of the atlas. It is in 

 relation in front with the recti antici minores and behind with the 

 odontoid ligaments. 



The posterior ligament is thin and membranous ; it is attached 

 above, to the margin of the occipital foramen ; and below, to the pos- 

 terior arch of the atlas. It is closely adherent to the dura mater, by 

 its inner surface ; and forms a ligamentous arch at each side, for the 

 passage of the vertebral arteries and first cervical nerves. It is in 



Fig 54.* 



relation posteriorly with the recti postici minores and obliqui supe- 

 riores. 



The lateral ligaments are strong fasciculi of ligamentous fibres, at- 

 tached below, to the base of the transverse process of the atlas at each 

 side, and above to the transverse process of the occipital bone. With 

 a ligamentous expansion derived from the vaginal process of the tem- 

 poral bone, these ligaments form a strong sheath around the vessels 

 and nerves which pass through the carotid and jugular foramina. 



The capsular ligaments are the thin and loose ligamentous capsules, 

 which surround the synovial membranes of the articulations between 

 the condyles of the occipital bone and the superior articular processes 

 of the atlas. The ligamentous fibres are most numerous upon the 

 anterior and external part of the articulation. 



* The posterior ligaments of the occipito-atloid, and atlo-axoid articulations. 

 1. The atlas. 2. The axis. 3. The posterior ligament of the occipito-atloid 

 articulation. 4, 4. The capsular and lateral ligaments of this articulation. 

 5. The posterior ligament of the atlo-axoid articulation. 6, 6. Its capsular 

 ligaments. ". The first of the ligamenta suhflava passing between the axis and 

 the third cervical vertebra. 8, 8. The capsular ligaments of those vertebrae. 



