Apical ligament
Last revised by Dr Mostafa El-Feky ◉ on 16 Nov 2020
Citation, DOI & article data
Citation:
Wong, A., El-Feky, M. Apical ligament. Reference article, Radiopaedia.org. (accessed on 29 Sep 2022) https://doi.org/10.53347/rID-36570
Permalink:
rID:
36570
Article created:
30 Apr 2015 by Dr Aaron Wong
Revisions:
11 times by 8 users - see full revision history
System:
Section:
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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