ARTICULATIONS OF THE AXIS WITH THE ATLAS 119 



superficial rounded cord in the median line, a continuation 

 up of the anterior common ligament to the occiput, and a 

 deeper portion on either side from the anterior arch of the atlas 

 to the base of the odontoid and front of the body of the axis. 

 In front of them are the recti capitis antici majores muscles. 



The posterior atloaxoid (posterior obturator) ligament is 

 broad and thin, connecting the posterior arches of the two 

 bones and supplying the place of the ligamenta subflava; 

 it contains a little elastic tissue. Behind it are the inferior 

 oblique muscles. 



FIG. 21 



The vertical portion of 



ODONTOID LIGAMENTS. 



( CAP3ULAR LIGAMENT 



-< and synovial 

 I membrane. 



CAPSULAR LIGAMENT 



and synovial 

 membrane. 



Occipitoaxial and atlantoaxial ligaments. Posterior view, obtained by removing 

 the arches of the vertebrae and the posterior part of the skull. 



The transverse or cruciform ligament passes across the ring 

 of the atlas behind the odontoid. It holds the odontoid in 

 place, but not with such firmness as is often described; it is 

 broad and firm in the middle, and in it is often developed a 

 cartilaginous nodule; on each side it is attached to the lateral 

 mass of the atlas. A small process passes up (superior crus) 

 from its upper border to the basilar process, and another 

 down (inferior crus) to the root of the odontoid posteriorly. 



