Anterior atlantoöccipital membrane

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

Anterior atlantoöccipital membrane
Anterior atlantoöccipital membrane and atlantoaxial ligament.
Latin membrana atlantooccipitalis anterior
Gray's subject #74 295
Dorlands/Elsevier m_08/12521988

The anterior atlantoöccipital membrane (anterior atlantoöccipital ligament) is broad and composed of densely woven fibers, which pass between the anterior margin of the foramen magnum above, and the upper border of the anterior arch of the atlas below.

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.

This membrane is in relation in front with the Recti capitis anteriores, behind with the alar ligaments.

[edit] External links

This article was originally based on an entry from a public domain edition of Gray's Anatomy. As such, some of the information contained herein may be outdated. Please edit the article if this is the case, and feel free to remove this notice when it is no longer relevant.