Alar ligaments
Original Editor - Rachael Lowe
Top Contributors - Rachael Lowe, Kim Jackson, Evan Thomas, WikiSysop, Alistair James, George Prudden and Wendy Snyders
Description[edit | edit source]
Two strong rounded cords that attach the skull to C2 (Axis).
Attachments[edit | edit source]
Arise from either side of the odontoid process and attach to the medial aspect of the occipital condyles.
Function[edit | edit source]
Taut in flexion, limit rotation and side flexion to the opposite side.
Play a role in stabilizing C1 and C2, especially in rotation[1].
Pathology[edit | edit source]
Injured in rear end motor vehicle collisions when the cervical spine is in extremes of rotation.
Examination
[edit | edit source]
References[edit | edit source]
- ↑ Magee DJ (2007). Orthopedic Physical Assessment (5th ed). St Louis, MO: Saunders Elsevier.