Tectorial membrane of atlanto-axial joint

Tectorial membrane (axis)
Membrana tectoria, transverse, and alar ligaments. (Membrana tectoria labeled at far left.)
Median sagittal section through the occipital bone and first three cervical vertebræ. (Membrana tectoria labeled at left, second from top.)
Details
Identifiers
Latin	membrana tectoria
TA98	A03.2.04.007
TA2	1704
FMA	25013
Anatomical terminology [edit on Wikidata]

The tectorial membrane of atlanto-axial joint (occipitoaxial ligaments) is a tough membrane/[1]broad, strong band[2] representing the superior-ward prolongation of the posterior longitudinal ligament (the two being continuous).[3][1][2]

It attaches inferiorly onto (the posterior aspect of[2]) the body of axis.[3] It broadens superiorly. Superiorly, the membrane extends deep to the median atlanto-axial joint and its associated ligaments, then through the foramen magnum into the cranial cavity[1] where it ends by attaching onto the basilar part of occipital bone superior to the foramen magnum.[3]

Anatomy

The membrane broadens superiorly.[1]

Structure

The membrane consists of two laminae - superficial and deep.[2]

The superficial lamina broadens superiorly before attaching onto the superior/internal surface of the basilar part of occipital bone superior to the foramen magnum, here blending with the cranial dura mater.[2]

The deep lamina consists of a strong medial band which extends superiorly to the foramen magnum, and of two lateral bands which superiorly reach and blend with the articular capsules of the atlanto-occipital joint.[2]

D: Tectorial membrane of atlanto-axial joint

Relations

The membrane situated is posterior/deep to the transverse ligament of the atlas; the two are separated by a thin intervening layer of loose areolar connective tissue, and sometimes by a bursa.[2]

The membrane is situated anterior/superficially to the spinal dura mater (which is firmly attached to the tectorial membrane).[3]

References

1. Moore, Keith L.; Dalley, Arthur F.; Agur, Anne M. R. (2018). Clinically Oriented Anatomy (8th ed.). Wolters Kluwer. p. 101. ISBN 978-1-4963-4721-3.
2. Standring, Susan (2020). Gray's Anatomy: The Anatomical Basis of Clinical Practice (42th ed.). New York. p. 841. ISBN 978-0-7020-7707-4. OCLC 1201341621.
3. Sinnatamby, Chummy (2011). Last's Anatomy (12th ed.). Elsevier Australia. p. 426. ISBN 978-0-7295-3752-0.