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Posterior atlanto-occipital membrane
Other Terms:
Posterior atlantooccipital membrane,
Membrana atlanto-occipitalis posterior,
Membrana atlantooccipitalis posterior,
Membrane atlantooccipitale postérieure
Parts
None
Group
Vertebral ligaments
Description
A broad, thin ligamentous sheet that connects the posterior rim of the foramen magnum to the superior border of the posterior arch of the atlas. The lateral aspects of the membrane blend with the posterior surfaces of the atlanto-occipital joint capsules. It is equivalent to the ligamentum flavum at other vertebral levels.
Function
Stabilizes the atlanto-occipital junction and prevents hyperflexion of the head on the atlas.
Latin
Membrana atlantooccipitalis posterior
French
Membrane atlantooccipitale postérieure
