Alar ligament

Alar Ligament

The Alar ligament is a pair of small ligaments located in the upper part of the neck. They extend from the sides of the dens (a part of the axis, the second cervical vertebra) to the lateral margins of the foramen magnum (the large opening in the base of the skull).

Etymology

The term "alar" is derived from the Latin word "alaris," meaning "winged." This is likely due to the ligament's wing-like appearance.

Anatomy

The alar ligaments are approximately 10mm long and are composed of fibrous tissue. They are attached superiorly to the sides of the foramen magnum and inferiorly to the sides of the dens of the axis. The ligaments limit the amount of rotation and side bending of the head and neck, providing stability to the cervical spine.

Clinical Significance

Damage to the alar ligaments can result in instability of the cervical spine, leading to neck pain and neurological symptoms. This can occur as a result of trauma, such as a whiplash injury, or due to degenerative conditions like rheumatoid arthritis. Diagnosis of alar ligament injury can be challenging, but can be aided by the use of advanced imaging techniques such as MRI.

Related Terms

• Ligament
• Cervical vertebrae
• Axis
• Foramen magnum
• Rheumatoid arthritis
• MRI

See Also

• Transverse ligament of atlas
• Cruciate ligament of atlas

Alar ligament Resources
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