Apical ligament
Citation, DOI, disclosures and article data
Citation:
Wong A, Elfeky M, Hacking C, et al. Apical ligament. Reference article, Radiopaedia.org (Accessed on 27 Mar 2025) https://doi.org/10.53347/rID-36570
Permalink:
rID:
36570
Article created:
30 Apr 2015,
Aaron Wong
Disclosures:
At the time the article was created Aaron Wong had no recorded disclosures.
View Aaron Wong's current disclosures
Last revised:
Disclosures:
At the time the article was last revised Mostafa Elfeky had no recorded disclosures.
View Mostafa Elfeky's current disclosures
Revisions:
10 times, by
8 contributors -
see full revision history and disclosures
Systems:
Sections:
Synonyms:
- Apical ligament: spine
The apical ligament is a small ligament that joins the apex (tip) of the dens of C2 to the anterior margin (basion) of the foramen magnum. It is the weak, fibrous remnant of the notochord and does not contribute significantly to stability.
The more posterior alar and cruciate ligaments are stronger and therefore far more clinically significant. Anterior is the anterior atlanto-occipital membrane.
Variant anatomy
It may be absent in up to 20% 2.
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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