Articulations of the Vertebral Column with the Cranium

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Anatomy > Gray's Anatomy of the Human Body > III. Syndesmology > 5c. Articulations of the Vertebral Column with the Cranium

Henry Gray (1821–1865). Anatomy of the Human Body. 1918.

Articulations of the Vertebral Column with the Cranium

The ligaments connecting the vertebral column with the cranium are grouped into two sets:

• Those uniting the atlas (C1 vertebra) with the occipital bone
• Those connecting the axis (C2 vertebra) with the occipital bone

Articulation of the Atlas with the Occipital Bone (articulatio atlantoöccipitalis)

This joint consists of a pair of condyloid joints between the occipital condyles and the superior articular facets of the atlas.

Ligaments of the Atlanto-occipital Joint

• Two Articular capsules
• Anterior atlanto-occipital membrane
• Posterior atlanto-occipital membrane
• Two Lateral atlanto-occipital ligaments

Articular Capsules

(capsulæ articulares; capsular ligaments) Thin and loose capsules enclosing each atlanto-occipital joint, connecting the occipital condyles to the articular surfaces of the atlas.

Anterior Atlanto-occipital Membrane

(membrana atlantoöccipitalis anterior)

Anterior atlanto-occipital membrane (Gray 304)

A broad, dense fibrous membrane connecting the anterior margin of the foramen magnum to the anterior arch of the atlas. It is continuous laterally with the articular capsules and strengthened medially by a thick cord connecting the basilar part of the occipital bone to the anterior tubercle of the atlas.

• Anterior relation: Rectus capitis anterior muscle
• Posterior relation: Alar ligaments

Posterior Atlanto-occipital Membrane

(membrana atlantoöccipitalis posterior)

Posterior atlanto-occipital membrane (Gray 305)

A thin, broad membrane attached above to the posterior margin of the foramen magnum and below to the posterior arch of the atlas. Defective laterally to accommodate the vertebral artery and suboccipital nerve.

• Anterior relation: Dura mater of the vertebral canal
• Posterior relation: Rectus capitis posterior minor and Obliquus capitis superior

Lateral Atlanto-occipital Ligaments

These are thickened portions of the articular capsule reinforced by fibrous bands. They extend from the jugular processes of the occipital bone to the bases of the transverse processes of the atlas.

Synovial Membranes

Each atlanto-occipital joint contains a synovial membrane. Occasionally, they communicate with the synovial cavity behind the odontoid process of the axis.

Movements of the Atlanto-occipital Joint

The permitted movements include:

• Flexion and Extension: e.g., nodding "yes"
• Lateral Flexion: slight movement to one side

• • Muscles involved**:

• Flexion: Longus capitis, Rectus capitis anterior
• Extension: Rectus capitis posterior major, Rectus capitis posterior minor, Obliquus capitis superior, Semispinalis capitis, Splenius capitis, Sternocleidomastoid, Trapezius (upper fibers)
• Lateral flexion: Rectus capitis lateralis, assisted by Trapezius, Semispinalis capitis, Splenius capitis, and Sternocleidomastoid (same side)

Ligaments Connecting the Axis with the Occipital Bone

These include:

• Membrana tectoria
• Alar ligaments
• Apical ligament of the dens

Membrana Tectoria

(occipitoaxial ligament)

Membrana tectoria (Gray 308)

A broad, strong band within the vertebral canal and a superior continuation of the posterior longitudinal ligament.

• Attached inferiorly to the posterior surface of the body of the axis
• Attached superiorly to the basilar part of the occipital bone, anterior to the foramen magnum
• Blends with the cranial dura mater

Alar Ligaments

(ligamenta alaria; odontoid ligaments)

Alar ligaments (Gray 307)

Two strong, rounded cords arising on either side of the apex of the odontoid process and inserting into the medial sides of the occipital condyles. They limit rotation and are sometimes referred to as check ligaments.

Apical Ligament of the Dens

(ligamentum apicis dentis) A slender fibrous band extending from the tip of the odontoid process to the anterior margin of the foramen magnum, blending with the deep anterior atlanto-occipital membrane and superior crus of the cruciate ligament of the atlas. It may contain remnants of the notochord.

Additional Connection: Ligamentum Nuchae'

The ligamentum nuchae is a strong, midline structure that connects the spinous process of the seventh cervical vertebra and external occipital protuberance. It supports the head and functions as an additional ligament linking the vertebral column to the skull.

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Anatomy atlases (external)

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Adapted from the Classic Grays Anatomy of the Human Body 1918 edition (public domain)