Ligaments of the spine

1. What is the course and function of the anterior longitudinal ligament?
2. Posterior longitudinal ligament?
3. Ligamentum nuchae?
4. Ligamentum flavum?
5. Interspinous and supraspinous ligaments?
6. Intertransverse ligament?

Answers:
1. The ALL runs along ant aspect of the vertebral bodies. Limits hyperextension and forward movement.
2. The PLL runs along the posterior aspect of the vertebral bodies. Prevents hyperflexion.
3. LN is a continuation of the supraspinous ligament from occipital protuberance to C7.
4. LF connects adjacent vertebral arches, attaching laminae to laminae. Maintains constant disc tension and helps straighten column after flexion.
5. ISL and SSL run from spinous process to spinous process. They resist spinal separation and flexion.
6. IL connects transverse processes. Resists lateral bending of trunk.