"anterior atlanto-occipital membrane: broad, dense fibrous structure which joins the upper border of the anterior arch of the atlas (C1) to the anterior inferior margin of the foramen magnum; it is a continuation of the anterior longitudinal ligament and prevents excessive neck extension. Laterally, it blends with the joint capsule and medially is strengthened by a strong, rounded cord that connects the basilar occipital bone to the anterior atlantal tubercle."
"posterior atlanto-occipital membrane: a broad but thin fibrous membrane which attaches the upper border of the anterior surface of the posterior arch of the atlas (C1) to the posterior margin of the foramen magnum. It is continuous with the posterior atlantoaxial membrane inferiorly (part of the ligamentum flavum) and ligamentum nuchae posteriorly and lies immediately posterior to the spinal dura. Posteriorly lie the suboccipital muscles. The atlantic (V3) portion of the vertebral artery runs anteriorly to pierce the membrane and dura and become the dural (V4) portion."
"tectorial membrane: continuation of the posterior longitudinal ligament from the dens to the anterior aspect of the foramen magnum."
"The atlanto-occipital articulation (also known as the C0-C1 joint/articulation) comprises a pair of condyloid synovial joints that connect the occipital bone (C0) to the first cervical vertebra (atlas/C1)."
Expected headings
"Terminology"
"Function"
"Relations"
"The atlanto-occipital articulation is not equivalent to the craniocervical junction. The latter comprises all the structures that form the junction between the skull and spine; the former is just one joint within the craniocervical junction 2."
"anterior atlanto-occipital membrane: broad, dense fibrous structure which joins the upper border of the anterior arch of the atlas (C1) to the anterior inferior margin of the foramen magnum; it is a continuation of the anterior longitudinal ligament and prevents excessive neck extension. Laterally, it blends with the joint capsule and medially is strengthened by a strong, rounded cord that connects the basilar occipital bone to the anterior atlantal tubercle."
"posterior atlanto-occipital membrane: a broad but thin fibrous membrane which attaches the upper border of the anterior surface of the posterior arch of the atlas (C1) to the posterior margin of the foramen magnum. It is continuous with the posterior atlantoaxial membrane inferiorly (part of the ligamentum flavum) and ligamentum nuchae posteriorly and lies immediately posterior to the spinal dura. Posteriorly lie the suboccipital muscles. The atlantic (V3) portion of the vertebral artery runs anteriorly to pierce the membrane and dura and become the dural (V4) portion."