106 LIGAMENTS OP THE VERTEBRAL COLUMN. 



of the trunk ; and by preserving the upright position of the spine, 

 limit the expenditure of muscular force. They are longer in the cer- 

 vical than in the other regions of the spine, and are thickest in the 

 lumbar region. 



Fig. 40* Fig. 41. t 



Relations. The ligamenta subflava are in relation by both sur- 

 faces with the meningo-rachidian veins, and internally they are 

 separated from the dura mater of the spinal cord by those veins and 

 some loose cellular tissue. 



ARTICULAR PROCESSES. The ligaments of the articular processes 

 of the vertebrae, are loose synovial capsules which surround the 

 articulating surfaces. They are protected on their external side by 

 a thin layer of ligamentous fibres. 



SPINOUS PROCESSES. The inter-spinous ligaments are thin and 

 membranous, and are extended between the spinous processes in the 

 dorsal and lumbar regions. They are thickest in the latter region; 

 and are in relation with the multifidus spinae muscle at each side. 



The supra-spinous ligament (fig. 49) is a strong and inelastic 

 fibrous cord, which extends from the apex of the spinous process of 

 the last cervical vertebra to the sacrum, being attached to each 

 spinous process in its course ; it is thickest in the lumbar region. 

 The continuation of this ligament upwards to the tuberosity of the 

 occipital bone, constitutes the rudimentary ligamentum nuchae of 

 man. It is strengthened, as in animals, by a thin slip from the 

 spinous process of each of the cervical vertebras. 



TRANSVERSE PROCESSES. The inter-transverse ligaments are thin 



* A posterior view of the bodies of three dorsal vertebrae, connected by their inter- 

 vertebral substance 1, 1. The laminae (2) have been sawn away near to the bodies of 

 the vertebrae, and the arches and processes removed, in order to show (3) the posterior 

 common ligament. A part of one of the openings in the posterior surface of the verte- 

 bra, for the transmission of the vena basis vertebra?, is seen at 4, by the side of the 

 narrow and unattached portion of the ligament. 



t An internal view of the arches of the vertebrae. To obtain this view the laminse 

 have been divided through their pedicles. 1. One of the ligamenta subflava. 2. The 

 capsular ligament of one side. 



