Anterior atlantooccipital membrane explained

Anterior atlantooccipital membrane
Latin:	membrana atlantooccipitalis anterior

The anterior atlantooccipital membrane (anterior atlantooccipital ligament) is a broad, dense^[1] membrane extending between the anterior margin of the foramen magnum (superiorly), and (the superior margin of^[2] ) the anterior arch of atlas (inferiorly).^[3]

The membrane helps limit excessive movement at the atlanto-occipital joints.

Anatomy

Structure

It is composed of broad, densely woven fibers; especially towards the midline where the membrane is continuous medially with the anterior longitudinal ligament. It is innervated by the cervical spinal nerve 1.

Relations

Medially, it is continuous with the anterior longitudinal ligament.Laterally, it is blends with either articular capsule.

This membrane is in relation in anteriorly with the rectus capitis anterior muscles, and posteriorly with the alar ligaments.

See also

• Posterior atlantooccipital membrane

External links

• Web site: Anatomy diagram: 25420.000-1 . Roche Lexicon - illustrated navigator . Elsevier . https://web.archive.org/web/20150226040726/http://www.tk.de/rochelexikon/pics/s25420.000-1.html . 2015-02-26 . dead .

Notes and References

1. Book: Standring, Susan . Gray's Anatomy: The Anatomical Basis of Clinical Practice . 2020 . 978-0-7020-7707-4 . 42th . New York . 840 . 1201341621.
2. Book: Sinnatamby, Chummy . Last's Anatomy . Elsevier Australia. 2011 . 978-0-7295-3752-0 . 12th . 426.
3. Book: Moore . Keith L. . Clinically Oriented Anatomy . Dalley . Arthur F. . Agur . Anne M. R. . Wolters Kluwer . 2018 . 978-1-4963-4721-3 . 8th . 99.