Longitudinal Bands of Cruciform Ligament
Fasciculi longitudinales ligamenti cruciformis
Read moreStructure
Longitudinal bands are given off medially at the upper and lower borders of the transverse ligament of the atlas. The superior longitudinal band is strong and ascends between the apical ligament of the dense and the tectorial membrane. It attaches to the basilar part of the occipital bone. The inferior band is much weaker and passes inferiorly to the posterior surface of the axis.
Related parts of the anatomy
Function
The longitudinal bands of the cruciform ligament prevent displacement of the dens and keep it in articulation with the anterior arch of the atlas.
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Atlanto-Axial Joint
The atlanto-axial joint is composed of two lateral joints between the superior facets of the axis and inferior facets of the atlas and a median joint between the dens of the axis and the anterior arch and transverse ligament of atlas.
