140 



LIGAMENTS OF THE VERTEBRAL COLUMN. 



animals, by a thin slip from the spinous process of each of the cervical 

 vertebrae. 



TRANSVERSE PROCESSES. The inter-transverse ligaments are thin and 

 membranous ; they are found only between the transverse processes of the 

 lower 'dorsal vertebrae. 



2. Articulation of the Atlas 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 anterior tubercle 

 of the atlas. The deeper ligament is a broad membranous layer, attached 

 above, to the margin of the occipital foramen ; and below, 10 the whole 

 length of the anterior arch of the atlas. It is in relation in front with the 

 recti antici minores, and behind with the odontoid ligaments. 



Fig. 75. 



Fig. 7G.f 



The posterior ligament is 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 w r ith the recti 

 postici minores and obliqui superiores. 



The lateral ligaments are strong fasciculi of ligamentous fibres, attached 

 below, to the base of the transverse process of the atlas at each side, and 

 above, to the transverse process of the occipital bone. With a ligamentous 

 expansion derived from the vaginal process of the temporal bone, these 



* 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 boue and the petrous portions of the temporal bones. 

 ]. The anterior round occipito-atloid ligament. 2. The anterior broad occipito-atloid 

 ligament. 3. The commencement of the anterior common ligament. 4. The anterior 

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

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

 opposite side has been removed, to show the approximated surfaces of the articular 

 processes (C). 7. One of the occipito-atloid capsular ligaments. The most external of 

 these fibres constitute the lateral occipito-atloid ligament. 



-[ 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 capsular and lateral ligaments of this articulation. 5. The posterior ligament of the 

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

 Bubflava passing between the axis and the third cervical vertebra 8, 8. The cap&ular 

 .igaments of ",hose vertebrae. 



