Anterior longitudinal ligament

Description[edit | edit source]

A strong band of variable thickness and width that covers the anterior aspects of the vertebral bodies and intervertebral discs throughout the length of the vertebral column. From superficial to deep its ligamentous fibers span varying lengths:

  • the deepest fibers are short intersegmental fibers
  • the intermediate fibers span two to three vertebrae
  • the superficial fibers span three to four vertebrae

It is thick, yet narrow, over the vertebral bodies where it is loosely bound to the periosteum. At the levels of the intervertebral disc, it widens and the fibers strongly bind to the fibrocartilage disc, the hyaline cartilage vertebral end plates, and the margins of the vertebrae.

Anterior Longintudinal Ligament - AP view
Anterior Longintudinal Ligament - Lateral view


Anatomy[edit | edit source]

Attachments[edit | edit source]

Arising at the superior margin of one vertebra they span to the inferior margin of the vertebra that they attach to.

Function[edit | edit source]

Limit extension of the vertebral column and reinforce the intervertebral disc.

Pathology/injury[edit | edit source]

Techniques[edit | edit source]

Palpation[edit | edit source]

Examination[edit | edit source]

Treatment[edit | edit source]

[edit | edit source]

Recent Related Research (from Pubmed)[edit | edit source]

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References[edit | edit source]