124 LIGAMENTS OF THE LOWER JAW. 



4. Articulation of the Atlas with the Axis. The ligaments of this 

 articulation are^ve in number, 



Anterior atlo-axoid, Two capsular, 



Posterior atlo-axoid, Transverse. 



The anterior ligament consists of ligamentous fibres, which pass 

 from the anterior tubercle and arch of the atlas to the base of the 

 odontoid process and body of the axis, where they are continuous with 

 the commencement of the anterior common ligament. 



The posterior ligament is a thin and membranous layer, passing be- 

 tween the posterior arch of the atlas and the laminae of the axis. 



The capsular ligaments surround the articular processes of the atlas 

 and axis ; they are loose, to permit of the freedom of movement which 

 subsists between these vertebrae. The ligamentous fibres are most 



Fig. 56.* 



numerous on the outer and anterior part of the articulation, and the 

 synovial membrane usually communicates with the synovial cavity 

 between the transverse ligament and the odontoid process. 



The transverse ligament is a strong ligamentous band, which arches 

 across the area of the ring of the atlas from a rough tubercle upon the 

 inner surface of one articular process to a similar tubercle on the other. 

 It serves to retain the odontoid process of the axis, in connection with 

 the anterior arch of the atlas. As it crosses the odontoid process, 



* A posterior view of the ligaments connecting the atlas, the axis, and the 

 occipital bone. The posterior part of the occipital bone has been sawn away, 

 and the arches of the atlas and axis removed. 1. The superior part of the 

 occipito-axoid ligament, which has been cut away in order to shew the liga- 

 ments beneath. 2. The transverse ligament of the atlas. 3, 4. The ascending 

 and descending slips of the transverse ligament, which have obtained for it the 

 title of cruciform ligament. 5. One of the odontoid ligaments ; the fellow 

 ligament is seen on the opposite side. 6. One of the occipito-atloid capsular 

 ligaments. 7. One of the atlo-axoid capsular ligaments. 



