Atlanto-axial joint
Anterior atlantoöccipital membrane and atlantoaxial ligament.
Posterior atlantoöccipital membrane and atlantoaxial ligament.
Latin	articulatio atlantoaxialis mediana, articulatio atlantoaxialis lateralis
Gray's	subject #73 292
MeSH	Atlanto-Axial+Joint

The Atlanto-axial joint (articulation of the atlas with the axis) is of a complicated nature, comprising no fewer than four distinct joints.

There is a pivot articulation between the odontoid process of the axis and the ring formed by the anterior arch and the transverse ligament of the atlas.

[edit] Lateral and medial joints

Here there are two joints:

• one between the posterior surface of the anterior arch of the atlas and the front of the odontoid process
• the other between the anterior surface of the ligament and the back of the process

Between the articular processes of the two bones there is on either side an arthrodial or gliding joint.

[edit] Ligaments

The ligaments connecting these bones are:

• Articular capsules
• Anterior atlantoaxial ligament
• Posterior atlantoaxial ligament
• Transverse ligament of the atlas

[edit] External links

• ii/l/lateral_atlantoaxial_joint article at GE's Medcyclopaedia
• Roche Lexicon - illustrated navigator, at Elsevier 25420.000-1

v • d • e Joints and ligaments of torso (TA A03.02-04, GA 3.299) Vertebral column Syndesmosis articulations of vertebral bodies: anterior longitudinal ligament · posterior longitudinal ligament articulations of vertebral arches: ligamenta flava · supraspinous ligament (nuchal ligament) · interspinal ligament · intertransverse ligament Synchondrosis intervertebral disc (annulus fibrosus, nucleus pulposus) Synovial joint Atlanto-axial (lat + med) capsule · atlantoaxial ligaments (anterior, posterior) · Cruciate ligament of atlas (Transverse ligament of atlas) Alar ligament · Apical ligament of dens · Tectorial membrane of atlanto-axial joint Zygapophysial no ligaments Lumbosacral iliolumbar ligament Sacrococcygeal anterior sacrococcygeal ligament · posterior sacrococcygeal ligament Thorax Costovertebral articulation of head of rib: radiate ligament · interarticular ligament costotransverse: Lumbocostal ligament Sternocostal interarticular sternocostal ligament · radiate sternocostal ligaments · costoxiphoid ligaments Interchondral no ligaments Costochondral no ligaments Pelvis Syndesmoses of pelvic girdle Obturator membrane · Obturator canal Pubic symphysis superior pubic ligament · inferior pubic ligament Sacroiliac anterior sacroiliac ligament · posterior sacroiliac ligament · interosseous sacroiliac ligament ligaments connecting the sacrum and ischium: sacrotuberous ligament · sacrospinous ligament Greater sciatic foramen · Lesser sciatic foramen