Tectorial membrane of the spine

Last revised by Mostafa El-Feky on 16 Nov 2020

The tectorial membrane is the thin superior continuation of the posterior longitudinal ligament from the body of the axis. It joins the axis body to the clivus on the anterior half of the foramen magnum, and ascends as high as the spheno-occipital synchondrosis and laterally extends to the hypoglossal canal. Anteriorly lies the cruciform ligament. Spinal dura mater is firmly attached posteriorly, also serving as a ligament.

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Cases and figures

  • Figure 2: median atlanto-occipital and atlantoaxial joints (Gray's illustration)
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  • Figure 2: tectorial membrane (Gray's illustration)
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  • Figure 3: annotated image
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