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Ligaments of the Vertebral Arches

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Introduction

Computer-generated lateral three-dimensional (3D) image of the thoracolumbar spine shows the components of the anterior (yellow) and posterior (orange) spinal motion segments[1]
Diagram depicting a midline sagittal cut of vertebrae with intact ligamentous structures. Ligaments of interest are outlined. The ligamentum flavum (red) forms the posterior wall of the vertebral column with the laminae. Just posterior, the interspinous ligament (blue) spans between adjacent spinous processes, while the supraspinous ligament (yellow) traverses over the most superior aspect of the spinous processes longitudinally[2]
Illustration of the nuchal ligament[3]
  • The joints of the vertebral arches are reinforced and supported by several ligaments
  • These ligaments unite the lamina, transverse and spinous processes

Ligamenta Flava

Nomenclature

  • Plural: ligamenta flava
  • Singular: ligamentum flavum

Description

  • Connect the laminae of adjacent vertebral arches on each side
  • Form the posterior surface of the vertebral canal
  • Runs from anterior surface of lamina to the posterior surface of the lamina below
  • Converge and blend at the midline

Function

  • Resist separation of the laminae during flexion
  • Aid in extension of the vertebral column back to its erect anatomical posture

Interspinous Ligaments

  • Connect adjacent vertebral spinous processes
  • Attaches from the base to the apex of each spinous process
  • Blending with the ligamenta flava ventrally and supraspinous ligament dorsally

Supraspinous Ligament

  • Connects the tips of the spinous processes from vertebra C7 to the sacrum
  • Continuous superiorly with the nuchal ligament of the cervical region
  • Prevents separation of spinous processes during flexion and resists hyperflexion

Nuchal Ligament

Nomenclature

  • Nuchal ligament
  • Ligamentum Nuchae

Description

  • Thick, triangular, fibroelastic band at the back of the neck
  • Extends between the base of the skull and C7 in the midline
  • Originates from the external occipital protuberance, posterior border foramen magnum, posterior border of C1
  • Inserts along the apices of the remaining cervical spinous processes
  • Apex of the ligament attaches to the tip of the SP of C7

Function

  • Support the head
  • Resists flexion
  • Restores the head to its anatomical position
  • Surface for attachment of muscles of the posterior neck and shoulder

Intertransverse ligaments

Description

  • Connect the transverse processes of adjoining vertebra
  • Extends from the upper board of the transverse process of one vertebrae
  • Inserts on the lower border of the transverse process above
  • Do not have distinct medial and lateral borders, blend with adjacent muscles

Function

  • Limit lateral flexion of the vertebral column

Clinical Significance

  • Needs to be updated

See Also

References

  1. ↑ Khurana, Bharti, et al. "Traumatic thoracolumbar spine injuries: what the spine surgeon wants to know." Radiographics 33.7 (2013): 2031-2046.
  2. ↑ Anderson, Bradley, and Bahar Shahidi. "The Impact of Spine Pathology on Posterior Ligamentous Complex Structure and Function." Current Reviews in Musculoskeletal Medicine 16.12 (2023): 616-626.
  3. ↑ Image courtesy of elsevier.com
Created by:
John Kiel on 27 September 2024 15:32:39
Authors:
Last edited:
6 March 2025 20:53:04
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