JOINTS OF THE NECK 



271 



The joints between the opposing articular processes are of 

 the diarthrodial variety. The surfaces of bone are coated 

 with cartilage ; there is a joint cavity surrounded by a 

 distinct articular capsule, lined with a synovial stratum. The 

 capsule is more laxly arranged in the neck than in the lower 

 regions of the vertebral column. 



The ligamenta flava may be examined on the laminae which were 

 removed for the display of the spinal medulla, and which the dissector was 

 directed to retain. They fill up the gaps between the laminae of the 

 vertebrae, and can be seen best when the anterior aspect of the specimen 

 is viewed. 



Ligamenta Flava. The ligamenta flava are composed of 



Root of vertebral 

 arch, divided 



FIG. 102. The Ligamenta Flava in the Lumbar Region. 



yellow elastic tissue. E^h is attached superiorly to the 

 anterior surface and inferior margin of the lamina of the 

 vertebra above, whilst inferiorly it is fixed to the posterior 

 surface and superior margin of the lamina of the vertebra 

 next below. The laminae and the ligaments form, together, 

 a smooth, even, posterior wall for the vertebral canal. Each 

 ligament extends from the posterior part of the articular 

 processes to the median plane, where its free thickened 

 median border is in contact with its fellow of the opposite 

 side. The median slit between them, in the space between 

 each pair of vertebral arches, is filled with some lax connective 



