458 ARTICULATIONS OF THE VERTEBRA. 



the anterior tubercle of the atlas ; the second, deeper than 

 this, is broad and membranous, and extends from the ante- 



A FIG. 135. B 



rior margin of the foramen magnum, to the anterior arch 

 of the atlas. These ligaments are covered in front by the 

 anterior recti muscles, and behind are in relation with the 

 dura mater. 



The posterior occipito-atlantal ligament is attached above to 

 the occipital foramen, and below to the posterior arch of the 

 atlas. It is composed of a broad, thin and weak membrane, 

 closely adheres to the dura mater, gives passage to the ver- 

 tebral arteries and sub-occipital nerves, and is covered by 

 the posterior recti and oblique muscles. 



The lateral ligaments, one on each side, extend from the 

 transverse process of the atlas, to the transverse process of 

 the occiput, they consist of strong fasciculi of fibres, which 

 expand and are continuous with the sheath surrounding 

 the carotid vessels and nerves at the base of the brain. 



2. Articulation of the axis, or dentata, with the occiput. The 

 ligaments connecting the axis or second vertebra with the 



FIG. 135, A represents an anterior view of the Ligaments which connect the 

 first and second vertebrae with the occiput, a Anterior occipito-atloid liga- 

 ment, b Anterior annular ligament, c Where anterior vertebral ligament 

 begins, d e Capsular ligament of oblique processes of atlas and dentata. / 

 Joint between first and second cervical vertebrae, g- External fibres of anterior 

 annular ligament. 



FIG. 135, B represents a posterior view of the ligaments which connect the 

 first and second vertebra with i\m occiput, a Atlas, b Dentata. c Posterior 

 occipito-atloid ligament, d d Capsular ligament of oblique processes of the 

 atlas and occipital condyles. e Ligament between the first and second verte- 

 brae. // Lateral fasciculi of this latter ligament, g First pair of the yellow 

 ligaments, h Capsular ligament between the oblique processes of the second 

 and third vertebrae. 





