Connective Tissue Spine

Anterior Atlanto Occipitial Membrain

This is broad and composed of densely woven fibers, which pass between the anterior margin of the foramen magnum above, and the upper border of the anterior arch of the atlas below;

Supraspinous Ligament

This is a ligament found along the vertebral column;

Alar Ligament

The alar ligaments connect the sides of the dens to tubercles on the medial side of the occipital condyle;

Nuchal Ligament

This is a ligament that runs from the base of your external occipital protuberance (the bump on the back of your head) to the spinous process of the 7th cervical vertebrae;

R Intertransverse Ligaments

The intertransverse ligaments are ligaments that are placed between the transverse processes of the spine. In the cervical region they consist of a few irregular, scattered fibers that are often replaced by muscles. In the thoracic region they are rounded cords intimately connected with the deep muscles of the back;

Tectorial Membrane of Atlanto Axial Joint

This is situated within the vertebral canal. It is a broad, strong band which covers the dens and its ligaments, and appears to be a prolongation upward of the posterior longitudinal ligament of the vertebral column. It is fixed, below, to the posterior surface of the body of the axis, and, expanding as it ascends, is attached to the basilar groove of the occipital bone, in front of the foramen magnum, where it blends with the cranial dura mater. Its anterior surface is in relation with the transverse ligament of the atlas, and its posterior surface with the dura mater;

Posterior Longitudinal Ligament

This is situated within the vertebral canal, and extends along the posterior surfaces of the bodies of the vertebrae, from the body of the axis, where it is continuous with the membrana tectoria, to the sacrum;

Anterior Longitudinal Ligament

This is a ligament that runs down the anterior surface of the spine. It traverses all of the vertebral bodies and intervertebral discs;

Posterior Atlanto Occipital Membrane

This is a broad but thin membrane. It is connected above to the posterior margin of the foramen magnum and below to the upper border of the posterior arch of the atlas;

Transverse Ligament of Atlas

This is a thick, strong band, which arches across the ring of the atlas, and retains the odontoid process in contact with the atlas;

Interspinous Ligaments

These are thin and membranous ligaments, that connect adjoining spinous processes of the vertebra in the spine. They extend from the root to the apex of each spinous process. They meet the ligamenta flava in front and blend with the supraspinous ligament behind;

L Intertransverse Ligaments

The intertransverse ligaments are ligaments that are placed between the transverse processes of the spine. In the cervical region they consist of a few irregular, scattered fibers that are often replaced by muscles. In the thoracic region they are rounded cords intimately connected with the deep muscles of the back;

Ligamenta Flava

These are ligaments of the spine. They connect the laminae of adjacent vertebrae, all the way from the second vertebra, axis, to the first segment of the sacrum. They are best seen from the interior of the vertebral canal; when looked at from the outer surface they appear short, being overlapped by the lamina of the vertebral arch;