

ARTICULATION OF TH1 



^ROPHEUS OR AXIS 



below to the body of the axis near the base of the odontoid process, and above 

 to the lateral mass of the atlas near the transverse ligament. 



The Anterior Atlantoaxial Ligament (Fig. 304). This ligament is a strong mem- 

 brane, fixed, above, to the lower border of the anterior arch of the atlas; below, 

 to the front of the body of the axis. It is strengthened in the middle line by a 



Arch for passage of 

 vertebral artery 

 and first cervical 

 nerve 



FIG. 305. Posterior atlantooccipital membrane and atlantoaxial ligament. 



mded cord, which connects the tubercle on the anterior arch of the atlas to the 

 body of the axis, and is a continuation upward of the anterior longitudinal liga- 

 ment. The ligament is in relation, in front, with the Longi capitis. 



FIG. 306. Articulation between odontoid process and atlas. 



The Posterior Atlantoaxial Ligament (Fig. 305). This ligament is a broad, thin 

 membrane attached, above, to the lower border of the posterior arch of the atlas; 

 below, to the upper edges of the laminae of the axis. It supplies the place of 

 the ligamenta flava, and is in relation, behind, with the Obliqui capitis inferiores. 



The Transverse Ligament of the Atlas (ligamentum transversum atlantis) (Figs. 

 306, 307, 308). The transverse ligament of the atlas is a thick, strong band, which 



