TEMPORO-M AXILLARY. 



273 



The Occipito-axoid Ligament (apparatus ligamentosus colli) is situated at 

 the upper part of the front surface of the spinal canal. It is a broad and 

 strong ligamentous band, which covers the odontoid process and its ligaments, 

 and appears to be a prolongation upwards of the posterior common ligament 

 of the spine. It is attached, below, to the posterior surface of the body of the 

 axis, and becoming expanded as it ascends, is inserted into the basilar groove 

 of the occipital bone, in front of the foramen magnum. 



Relations. By its anterior surface, it is intimately connected with the trans- 

 verse ligament, by its posterior surface with the dura mater. By cutting this 

 ligament across, and turning its ends aside, the transverse and odontoid liga- 

 ments are exposed. 



The Odontoid or Check Ligaments are strong, rounded, fibrous cords, which 

 arise one on either side of the apex of the odontoid process, and passing ob- 

 liquely upwards and outwards, are inserted into the rough depressions on the 

 inner side of the condyles of the occipital bone. In the triangular interval 

 left between these ligaments and the margin of the foramen magnum, a third 

 strong ligamentous band (ligamentum suspensorium) may be seen, which passes 

 almost perpendicularly from the apex of the odontoid process to the anterior 

 margin of the foramen, being intimately blended with the anterior occipito- 

 atloid ligament, and upper fasciculus of the transverse ligament of the atlas. 



Actions. The odontoid ligaments serve to limit the extent to which rotation 

 of the cranium may be carried ; hence they have received the name of check 

 ligaments. 



V. TEMPORO-MAXILLARY ARTICULATION. 



This is an arthrodial joint ; the parts entering into its formation are, on each 

 side, the anterior part of the glenoid cavity of the temporal bone and the 



Fig. 188. Temporo-maxillary Articulation. External View. 



;'; j Te mp oral Zone 



eminentia articularis above; with the condyle of the lower jaw 'below. The 

 ligaments are the following : 



External Lateral. Stylo-maxillary. 



Internal Lateral. Capsular. 



Interarticular Fibro-cartilage. 

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