Ligamentum Flavum/Capsular Ligament/ Interspinous Ligament/ Ligamentum Nuchae/ Supraspinous Ligament Flashcards
What is the name given to the ligamentum flavum based on appearance and histology?
it is a yellow elastic ligament
What fibers are most ligaments made up of?
caollagen type I fibers which are whitish in appearance
Where is ossification of the Ligamentum flavum most commonly identified?
the thoracic spine or the thoracolumbar transition zone
What is the relationship between the capsular ligament and mobility?
the more lax/ loose the capsular ligament is, the greater the motion of the joint
What layers are present in the capsular ligament?
a superficial layer of collagen fibers and a deep layer of elastic fibers
What regions of the vertebral column demonstrates the greatest laxity of capsular ligament?
the cervical and lumbar regions
If the zygapophyseal capsular ligament is not significantly involved in restricting motion what is its’ function?
it is probably involved in proprioceptive feedback to muscles stabilizing the vertebral couple during movement
What is now though to be the major function of the interspinous ligament?
it is more likely a proprioceptive transducer for the spinal reflex
What is the name given to the superficial layer of the ligamentum nuchae?
the funicular layer or part
What is the name given to the deep layer of the ligamentum nuchae?
the lamellar layer or part
What are the attachment sites for the superficial layer of the ligamnetum nuchae?
the EOP, external occipital crest, and spinous tubercle of C7
What is the histological make up of the human ligamentum nuchae?
it is a yellowish elastic ligament, but has more collagen fibers than in quadrupeds
What is the classic function of the human ligamentum nuchae?
it breaks or limits flexion of the cervical spine
What is the termination level inferiorly for the supraspinous ligament according to current literature?
primarily at L4 (73%); between L4 and L5 (5%)
What is now thought to be the major function of the supraspinous ligament?
it is a proprioceptive transducer for the spinal reflex
