Intervertebral Ligaments

Intervertebral Ligaments

The vertebrae are bound together and stabilized by many ligaments attached to their bodies. The intervertebral ligaments are:

■■ The anterior longitudinal ligament: Connecting anterior surfaces of adjacent vertebral bodies

■■ The posterior longitudinal ligament: Connecting posterior surfaces of adjacent vertebral bodies

■■ The ligamentum flavum: Connecting the laminae of adjacent vertebrae

■■ The interspinous ligament: Connecting the spinous processes of adjacent vertebrae

■■ The supraspinous ligament: Interconnecting the tips of spinous processes from C7 to the sacrum

The ligamentum nuchae extends from C7 to the base of the skull. It is continuous with the supraspi-nous ligament. With aging, the posterior longitudinal ligaments are often weakened. The nucleus pulposus, becoming compressed, may distort the annulus fibro-sus to force it partially into the vertebral canal, which is known as a slipped disc. Although the disc does not really “slip,” in more severe cases the nucleus pulpo-sus may break through the annulus fibrosus and also protrude into the vertebral canal, which is known as a herniated disc. Sensory nerves are then distorted by the mass, which may also compress nerves passing through the nearby intervertebral foramen. The inter-vertebral joints of the vertebral column can flex (bend anteriorly), extend (bend posteriorly), flex laterally (bend laterally), or rotate.