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
Dorlands /Elsevier	m_08/12522271
TA	A03.2.04.007
Anatomical terminology []

The tectorial membrane of atlanto-axial joint (occipitoaxial ligaments) is situated within the vertebral canal.

It is a broad, strong band which covers the dens and its ligaments, and appears to be a prolongation upward of the posterior longitudinal ligament of the vertebral column.

It is fixed, below, to the posterior surface of the body of the axis, and, expanding as it ascends, is attached to the basilar groove of the occipital bone, in front of the foramen magnum, where it blends with the cranial dura mater.

Its anterior surface is in relation with the transverse ligament of the atlas, and its posterior surface with the dura mater.

This article incorporates text in the public domain from the 20th edition of Gray's Anatomy (1918)