Lab #2 Ligaments (Pelvis & Back)

sacrospinous ligament attachments

ischial spine & lateral borders of lower sacrum & coccyx

sacrospinous ligament role

stabilizes the sacroiliac region by limiting the movement of the sacrum when the vertebral column gains weight

inguinal ligament attachments

anterior superior iliac spine (ASIS) & pubic tubercle

inguinal ligament role

supports the abdominal wall, forms the floor of the inguinal canal, creates passage for neuromuscular and vascular structures travelling from abdomen to lower limb

anterior sacrococcygeal ligament attachments

apex of the sacrum & base of the coccyx

anterior sacrococcygeal ligament role

reinforces the sacrococcygeal joint, fixing the sacrum & coccyx in place

inferior pubic ligament attachments

connects both pubic bones

inferior pubic ligament role

joins the pubic bones and strengthens the pubic symphysis inferiorly

radiate ligament attachments

vertebral body above, intervertebral disc between the 2 vertebrae & the body of its own vertebrae

radiate ligament role

ensure ribs are kept close to vertebral bodies, ensuring only slight gliding movements occur at the joint

supraspinous ligament attachments

superiority at nuchal ligament, runs along spine and connects to the tips of spinous processes, ending at the sacrum

supraspinous ligament role

stabilizes the lumbar vertebrae and helps limit flexion of vertebral column

transverse (C1) ligament attachments

it attaches to tubercles on the medial walls of C1

transverse (C1) ligament role

it holds the dens (of C2) in place against the front of the C1 ring

alar ligament attachments

sides of dens (C2) to lateral foramen magnum (occipital bone)

alar ligament role

attaches C2 to cranium, prevents excessive rotation at the joints

sacrotuberous ligament attachments

ischial tuberosity to lateral borders of lower sacrum & coccyx

sacrotuberous ligament role

stabilizes the sacroiliac region by limiting the movement of the sacrum when the vertebral column gains weight

anterior sacroiliac ligament attachments

anterior lateral sacrum to the anterior medial surface of the ilium

anterior sacroiliac ligament role

forms the anterior part of the fibrous capsule of the synovial joint

posterior sacrococcygeal ligament attachments

apex of the sacrum & base of the coccyx

posterior sacrococcygeal ligament role

reinforces the sacrococcygeal joint, fixing the sacrum & coccyx in place

anterior longitudinal ligament attachments

from C1 & the occipital bone to the sacrum

anterior longitudinal ligament role

maintains stability of IV joints & limits extension of vertebral column

ligamenta flava attachments

they extend vertically to connect the lamina above to the lamina below

ligamenta flava role

prevents laminae separation by stopping hyperflexion of the vertebral column; preventing injury to IV discs

nuchal ligament attachments

external occipital protuberance of occipital bone & posterior border of foramen magnum to spinous processes of cervical vertebrae

nuchal ligament role

substitutes for bone in providing muscular attachments on the cervical spine

tectorial membrane attachments

body of C2 to the internal surface of occipital bone

tectorial membrane role

supports cranium during flexion/extension of neck; reduces posterior movement of dens

cruciate ligament attachments

transverse attachments (tubercles on the medial walls of C1) & longitudinal band attachments (occipital bone to body of C2)

cruciate ligament role

prevents displacement of dens/keeps it in articulation with anterior arch of atlas

iliolumbar ligament attachments

transverse processes of L5 to ilia

iliolumbar ligament role

support the pelvic girdle & limit the range of movement at the lumbosacral junction

posterior sacroiliac ligament attachments

posterior lateral sacrum to the posterior medial surface of the ilium

posterior sacroiliac ligament role

transfers upper body weight to the ilia & femurs while standing; ischial tuberosities while sitting

superior pubic ligament attachments

connects both pubic bones

superior pubic ligament role

joins the pubic bones & strengthens the pubic symphysis superiorly

posterior longitudinal ligament attachments

from C2 to the sacrum (along IV disks)

posterior longitudinal ligament role

prevents hyperflexion of the vertebral column & posterior herniation of IV discs

interspinous ligament attachments

connects adjacent spinous processes

interspinous ligament role

stabilizes the spinal column & limits hyperflexion

posterior atlanto-occipital membrane attachments

posterior arch of C1 to posterior foramen magnum

posterior atlanto-occipital membrane role

prevents excessive movement of atlantooccipital joints

anterior atlanto-occipital membrane attachments

anterior arch of C1 to anterior foramen magnum

anterior atlanto-occipital membrane role

prevents excessive movement of atlantooccipital joints