Back Ligaments

Question 1

Anterior longitudinal ligament Origin and insertion

Answer 1

Anterolateral veterbal bodies and IV discs of C1- Sacrum

Question 2

Anterior longitudinal ligament Function

Answer 2

Prevents hyperextension of column

• Compressed during flexion
• Stretched during extension

Question 3

Posterior longitudinal ligament origin & insertion

Answer 3

Posterior aspect of veterbal bodies and IV discs from C2-Sacrum

Question 4

Posterior longitudinal ligament functions

Answer 4

Resists hyperflexion and prevents posterior herniations.

• stretches in flexion
• relaxed in extension

Question 5

Interspinous ligaments Origin & insertion

Answer 5

Spinous processes of C2-S1

- inserts to adjacent spinous processes all the way down.

Question 6

Interspinous Ligament Function

Answer 6

Support the spine

Question 7

Supraspinous Ligament Orgin & insertion

Answer 7

Runs along the tips of the spinous processes of theC7-Sacrum vertebrae.

Question 8

Supraspinous ligaments Function

Answer 8

Support of the spine.

Question 9

Nuchal ligament

Answer 9

Median ligament that begins on the external occipital protuberance and runs along the tips of the cervical spinous processes.

• Function: attachment site for nuchal muscles

Question 10

Intertransverse ligaments

Answer 10

Connects transverse processes of adjacent vertebrae.

Question 11

Transverse ligament of the atlas

Answer 11

Origin and insertion is the lateral masses of the atlas.

Function: Holds dens in position and prevents anterior displacement of the atlas vertebrae (C1).

Question 12

Alar ligaments

Answer 12

Origin: side of dens of the atlas
Insertion: lateral margins of foramen magnum

• Function: Prevents excessive rotation