Anterior atlanto-occipital ligament
Original Editor - Rachael Lowe
Top Contributors - Kim Jackson, Admin, Evan Thomas, WikiSysop and Mohamed A Hassanin
Description
The anterior atlanto-occipital membrane (anterior atlantooccipital ligament) is a broad membrane and composed of densely woven fibers. It is one of the binding structures of the cranio-cervical junction (CCJ). This membrane is related in front with the rectus capitis anterior muscles and behind with the alar ligaments. [1]
Attachments
The membrane passes between the anterior margin of the foramen magnum above, and the upper border of the anterior arch of the atlas below. It is a continuation of the anterior longitudinal ligament.
Laterally, it is continuous with the articular capsules. In front, it is strengthened in the middle line by a strong, rounded cord, which connects the basilar part of the occipital bone to the tubercle on the anterior arch of the atlas.
Function
It serves to limit atlanto-occipital extension at the cranio-cervical junction.[2]
Clinical Relevance
This thin structure attaches the anterior aspect of the atlas to the anterior rim of the foramen magnum and is located immediately posterior to the prevertebral muscles. It forms the anterior wall of the supra-odontoid space (which is very discernible on MRI assessment owing to its contents of fat and veins) which also houses the alar and apical (and Barkow) ligaments. [2]
It is located immediately posterior to the longus capitis muscle and Superficial Anterior Atlanto-Occipital Ligament (SAAOL).[3]
Assessment
Anterior stability test of the atlanto-occipital joint
References
- ↑ Soule E, Fiester P, Rao D, Orallo P, Rahmathulla G. Anatomic, functional, and radiographic review of the ligaments of the craniocervical junction. Journal of Craniovertebral Junction and Spine. 2021;12(1):4.
- ↑ 2.0 2.1 Offiah CE, Day E. The craniocervical junction: embryology, anatomy, biomechanics and imaging in blunt trauma. Insights into Imaging [Internet]. 2016 Nov 4;8(1):29–47. Available from: https://insightsimaging.springeropen.com/articles/10.1007/s13244-016-0530-5
- ↑ Iwanaga J, Kikuta S, Watanabe K, Tubbs Rs. Superficial anterior atlanto-occipital ligament: Anatomy of a forgotten structure with relevance to craniocervical stability. Journal of Craniovertebral Junction and Spine. 2019;10(1):42.