LIGAMENTS OF THE VERTEBRAL COLUMN. 107 



' 



and membranous ; they are found only between the transverse pro- 

 cesses of the lower dorsal vertebrae. 



2. Articulation of the Mlas with the Occipital bone. The ligaments 

 of this articulation are seven in number. 



Two anterior occipito-atloid. 



Posterior occipito-atloid. 



Lateral occipito-atloid. 



Two capsular. 



Of the two anterior ligaments one is a rounded cord, situated in 

 the middle line, and superficially to the other. It is attached above, 

 to the basilar process of the occipital bone ; and below, to the an- 

 terior tubercle of the atlas. The deeper ligament is a broad mem- 

 branous layer, attached above, to the margin of the occipital fora- 

 men; 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 be- 

 hind with the dura mater. 



Fig. 42 * Fig. 43.t 



The posterior ligament is extremely thin and membranous; it is 

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

 to the posterior 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 relation posteriorly with the recti postici minores. 



The lateral ligaments are strong fasciculi of ligamentous fibres, 



* An anterior view of the ligaments connecting the atlas, the axis, and the occipital 

 bone. A transverse section has been carried through the base of the skull, dividing 

 the basilar process of the occipital bone and the petrous portions of the temporal bones. 

 1. The anterior round occipito-atloid ligament. 2, 2. The anterior broad occipito- 

 atloid ligament. 3. The commencement of the anterior common ligament. 4. The an- 

 terior atlo-axoid ligament, which is continuous inferiorly with the commencement of 

 the anterior common ligament. 5. One of the atlo-axoid capsular ligaments ; the one 

 on the opposite side (6) has been removed, to show the approximated surfaces of the ar- 

 ticular process. 7. One of the occipito-atloid capsular ligaments. The most external 

 of these fibres constitute the lateral occipito-atloid ligament. 



t 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 cupsular and lateral ligaments of this articulation. 5. The posterior ligaments of 

 the atlo-axoid articulation. 6, 6. Its capsular ligaments. 7. The first of the ligamenta 

 subflava passing between the axis and the third cervical vertebra. 8, 8. Their capsular 

 ligaments. 



