ARTICULATIONS. 



body of the axis to the basilar groove of the occipital and, 

 laterally, the margin of the foramen magnum. [266] 



lAgamentum Cruciatum Atlantis (subjacent to the preced- 

 ing). This is formed by (cms transversum) the superficial 

 fibres of the transverse ligament of the atlas, and also mesial 

 longitudinal fibres running from them downward (crus inferius) 

 to the posterior surface of the body of the axis, and upward 

 (crus superius) to the posterior surface of the basi-occiput, 

 just under the preceding. [267] 



Check or Lateral Odontoid. A rounded band on each side, 

 running from the summit of the odontoid process to the tuber- 

 cle on the inner side of the occipital condyle. [267] 



Middle Odontoid. A band ascending from the apex of the 

 odontoid process to the centre of the anterior margin of the 

 foramen magnum. [267] 



Intercentral Articulations of the Cervical Vertebrae. 

 These are amphiarthrodial and comprise the following struc- 

 tures: [261] 



Inter vertebral Discs. These are closely adherent to the bod- 

 ies, and each consists of a pulpy centre surrounded by fibres 

 connecting the vertebrae, mostly oblique and parallel. They 

 are thickest in front. [261] 



Anterior Common Ligament. A broad band descending 

 from the front of the axis, attached to the margins of the bodies 

 of the vertebrae and to the intervertebral discs ; some fibres con- 

 nect adjoining vertebrae, others those farther apart. [263] 



Posterior Common Ligament. A broad band in the spinal 

 canal, running downward from the back of the body of the axis 

 and expanding over each intervertebral disc ; it is attached to 

 the discs and also to the whole adjacent margins of the ver- 

 tebrae. [263] 



Interneural Articulations of the Cervical Vertebrae. 

 These are true arthrodial diarthroses, between the facets on 

 the articular processes. Each joint has a thin but complete 



[21] 



