Transverse ligament of atlas

Transverse ligament of atlas

Illustration of the transverse ligament of atlas (in red) from Gray's Anatomy

The Transverse ligament of atlas is a crucial anatomical structure in the human body. It is a thick, strong band that arches across the atlas, the first cervical vertebra of the spine. This ligament plays a significant role in the stability of the atlantoaxial joint, which allows the head to rotate.

Anatomy

The transverse ligament of atlas divides the vertebral foramen of the atlas into two unequal parts. The anterior, smaller part contains the odontoid process (or dens) of the axis, while the posterior, larger part contains the spinal cord.

The ligament is attached on either side to the lateral masses of the atlas, and it forms a supportive arch for the odontoid process. It is broader in the middle than at the ends, and its anterior surface is convex.

Function

The primary function of the transverse ligament of atlas is to hold the odontoid process against the anterior arch of the atlas. This prevents the atlas and the attached head from moving excessively and potentially causing injury to the spinal cord.

Clinical significance

Damage to the transverse ligament of atlas can lead to atlantoaxial instability, a condition that can cause severe neck pain and neurological deficits. This can occur due to trauma, rheumatoid arthritis, or congenital abnormalities. Diagnosis is typically made through radiography, and treatment may involve surgical intervention.

See also

• Ligament
• Vertebra
• Spinal cord