Massage Therapy Journal Spring 2025

Spring 2025 • 37

Cervical Spine Ligaments

Name

Location

Function

Anterior longitudinal ligament (ALL) Posterior longitudinal ligament (PLL)

Spans from the sacrum to the cervical spine along the anterior aspect of the vertebral bodies. Spans from the sacrum to the cervical spine along the posterior aspect of the vertebral bodies.

Restricts hyperextension of the spine and reinforces the anterior sacrum.

Restricts hyperflexion of the spine and intervertebral disc herniations.

This ligament is a continuation of the supraspinous ligament and connects the spinous processes of C7-C1.

Restricts hyperflexion of the cervical spine and is a muscle attachment for a variety of muscles, including the trapezius and splenius capitus.

Nuchal ligament

Interspinous ligament

Spans between the spinous processes from one spinous process above it or below it.

Limit flexion of the spine by reducing separation of the spinous processes.

Ligamentum flavum Transverse ligament of the atlas

Spans between the lamina of one vertebra to another above or below it.

Limits hyperflexion and aids in returning the spine after flexion.

Spans across the atlantal ring between the anterior tubercles located on both lateral masses.

Stabilizes the dens or odontoid process to the anterior arch of the atlas.

and structure for the joints. They can help prevent excessive or abnormal movements that may otherwise lead to injuries, which makes ligaments very important for maintaining the integrity of joints and facilitating controlled movement. Ligaments are composed of dense fibrous collagen that are arranged in a parallel or crisscross pattern. This arrangement gives ligaments both their flexibility and tremendous strength. Additionally, ligaments can also provide reinforcement to the joint capsule, increasing its structural integrity, and also contain specialized sensory receptors called proprioceptors. These receptors send sensory signals to the brain about the joint’s position, movement and tension, which is important for preserving balance and coordinating movements. Ligaments are categorized based on their location and function: extrinsic and intrinsic. 1. Extrinsic ligaments are located on the outside of the joint capsule and provide support and stability to the joint. Examples include

Range of motion

Joint

Movement

Flexion

0-90º 0-70° 0-45º 0-90º

Extension Rotation

Cervical spine

Lateral flexion

the tibial and fibular collateral ligaments in the knee. 2. Intrinsic ligaments are located within the joint capsule and play a role in inhibiting too much movement of the joint. The anterior and posterior cruciate ligaments of the knee are two examples. A bursa is a small fluid-filled sac that serves to prevent friction and provide cushioning between tissues. They are most commonly found around joints where smooth movement of one tissue over another is important, like when a muscle or tendon passes over a bony prominence. Some of the bursae in our bodies are there at birth, while others can develop due to areas of increased friction.

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