spinal ligaments

anterior longitudinal ligament

attachment points: covers entire anterior spine (skull base to sacrum)

fiber direction: A/P

function: ensures vertebrae don’t hyperextend

posterior longitudinal ligament

attachment points: covers entire posterior spine, much thinner

fiber direction: A/P

function: prevents hyperflexion and hyperextension on thoracic cage

interspinous ligament

attachment points: connect adjacent spinous processes

fiber direction: A/P

function: prevent hyperflexion when bending forward and keep the spine moving together as a unit

supraspinous ligament

attachment points: tip of spinous processes together/posterior tips

• C7 to the sacrum

• on topof spinous processes

fiber direction: A/P

function: aids in stability of lumbar vertebrae limits flexion of vertebral column

nuchal ligament

attachment points: C7 upwards

fiber direction: A/P ish

function: limits/allows flexion, supports cervical spine

intertransverse ligament

attachment points: connect TVP

fiber direction: /

function: aid in side bending, limit lateral hyperflexion

ligamentum flava

attachment points: adjoin the lamellae of adjacent vertebral foramina

• base of skull C2 to S1

fiber direction: curved A/P - lot of elastic fibers = yellow

function: prevent hyperflexion, prevent stenosis, strength

facet capsule ligament

attachment points: between facets of vertebrae

fiber direction: collagen, elastin

function: stabilize facet joints of the spine, facilitate gliding movements

costotransverse ligaments

attachment points: neck of rib to next rib

• fills costoransverse foramen between posterior aspects of the necks of the ribs and transverse processes of adjacent vertebrae

fiber direction:

function: reinforce costotransverse joint allow only slight gliding

sternochondral ligaments

attachment points: attach anterior and posterior surfaces of medial ends of costal cartilages to sternal surfaces

fiber direction: fan out so that fibers intermingle with adjacent ligaments

function: secure costal cartilages to sternum

radiate ligaments

attachment points: attach head of ribs to thoracic vertebrae and intervertebral discs

fiber direction:

function: ensure ribs are kept in close contact with vertebral bodies - only slight gliding

costoclavicular ligament

attachment points: connects clavicle to superior margin of first rib and associated costal cartilage

fiber direction: cone shaped

function: stabilize sternoclavicular joint

sternoclavicular ligament

attachment points: clavicle and sternum

fiber direction: saddle, I/S and A/P movements, junction for axial and appendicular skeleton

function: STRONG, stabilize sternoclavicular joint