Alar ligament
Citation, DOI & article data
Citation:
Wong, A., Hacking, C. Alar ligament. Reference article, Radiopaedia.org. (accessed on 29 Sep 2022) https://doi.org/10.53347/rID-36584
Permalink:
rID:
36584
Article created:
30 Apr 2015 by Dr Aaron Wong
Revisions:
8 times by 6 users - see full revision history
System:
Section:
Synonyms:
- Alar ligaments
The alar ligaments join the lateral margins of the sloping upper posterior margin of the dens of C2 to the lateral margins of the foramen magnum (adjacent to the occipital condyles) and lie on either side of the apical ligament. They may be oblique or vertical and are thickest at the occipital attachment. They are paired ligaments that are very strong and limit axial rotation and contralateral lateral flexion of the head.
In conjunction with the transverse band of the cruciform ligament, they are the primary stabilizers of the atlantoaxial joint 2.
Related pathology
References
- 1. McMINN. Lasts Anatomy Regional and Applied. CHURCHILL LIVINGSTONE. (2003) ISBN:B0084AQDG8. Read it at Google Books - Find it at Amazon
- 2. Offiah CE, Day E. The craniocervical junction: embryology, anatomy, biomechanics and imaging in blunt trauma. Insights into imaging. 8 (1): 29-47. doi:10.1007/s13244-016-0530-5 - Pubmed
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