274 



HEAD AND NECK 



Atlanto - Occipital Articular Capsules. The atlanto- 

 occipital capsules connect the occipital condyles with the 

 lateral masses of the atlas. They completely surround the 

 joints, and are connected anteriorly with the anterior atlanto- 

 occipital membrane, and posteriorly with the posterior atlanto- 

 occipital membrane. 



The occipital bone, therefore, around the foramen magnum 

 is attached by special ligaments to each of the four portions 



Basilar portion of 

 occipital bone 



Dura mater 



Vertebral artery and 

 first cervical nerve 



Second cervical 

 nerve 



Anteiior atlanto- 

 occipital membrane 

 Two parts of the apical 

 ligament 



Crus superius 



Anterior arch of atlas 



Transverse ligament 

 Anterior longitudinal 

 ligament 

 Crus inferius 



Lenticular disc of cartilage 

 between the body of the epi- 

 stropheus and the dens 



FIG. 103. Median section through the Basilar Portion of Occipital Bone, 

 the Atlas and the Epistropheus. (From Luschka, slightly modified.) 



Between the membrana tectoria and the transverse ligament a small synovial bursa 

 may be seen. 



of the atlas viz., to the anterior arch, to the two lateral 

 masses, and to the posterior arch. 



Dissection. The remaining ligaments are placed within 

 the vertebral canal, in connection with its anterior wall. For 

 their proper display it is necessary therefore to remove, with 

 the bone forceps, the laminae of the epistropheus and the posterior 

 arch of the atlas. The squamous part of the occipital bone also 

 must be taken away, by sawing it through, on each side, immedi- 

 ately posterior to the jugular process and the condyle, carrying 

 the saw cut into the foramen magnum. The upper part of the 

 tube of dura mater, which still remains in the vertebral canal, 

 must next be carefully detached. When that has been done, 



