Denticulate ligaments
The medulla spinalis and its membranes. (Ligamentum denticulatum labeled vertically at bottom left.)
Diagrammatic transverse section of the medulla spinalis and its membranes. (Denticulate ligament not labeled, but region is visible.)
Latin	ligamentum denticulatum
Gray's	subject #185 750

The pia mater of the spinal cord has 21 pairs of denticulate ligaments which attach it to the arachnoid and dura maters. Named for their tooth like appearance, the denticulate ligaments are traditionally believed to provide stability for the spinal cord against motion within the vertebral column. Fortunately, from a clinical standpoint, dendiculate ligaments do not play a significant role in lumbar spinal stenosis when compared to issues such as disc herniations, facet hypertrophy, shape of spinal canal, size of spinal canal, ligamentum flavum hypertrophy, or degenerative joint disease resulting in bony osteophyte formation.

Contents 1 Additional images 2 Sources 3 See also 4 External links

[edit] Additional images

A portion of the spinal cord, showing its right lateral surface. The dura is opened and arranged to show the nerve roots.

[edit] Sources

• Tubbs R, Salter G, Grabb P, Oakes W (2001). "The denticulate ligament: anatomy and functional significance.". J Neurosurg 94 (2 Suppl): 271–5. PMID 11302630. 
• Clinically Oriented Anatomy. Moore, Keith and Arthur F. Dalley. Philadelphia, Lipincott, Williams and Williams 2006.

[edit] See also

• Filum terminale

[edit] External links

• denticulate+ligament at eMedicine Dictionary
• SUNY Figs 02:05-03 - "Coverings of the spinal cord."

v • d • e Anatomy: meninges of the brain and medulla spinalis (TA A14.1.01, GA 9.749/9.872) Layers Dura mater Falx cerebri · Tentorium cerebelli · Falx cerebelli · Diaphragma sellae · Trigeminal cave Arachnoid mater Arachnoid granulation Subarachnoid cisterns: Cisterna magna · Pontine cistern · Interpeduncular cistern · Chiasmatic · Lateral cerebral fossa · Of great cerebral vein Pia mater Denticulate ligaments Tela chorioidea (Tela chorioidea of third ventricle, Tela chorioidea of fourth ventricle) · Choroid plexus Combined Filum terminale · Leptomeninges Spaces Epidural space · Subdural space · Subarachnoid space (Cerebrospinal fluid)

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