Which ligament forms the transverse band that holds the dens in contact with the atlas?

Which ligament forms the transverse band that holds the dens in contact with the atlas?

• A. Anterior longitudinal ligament
• B. Transverse ligament of the atlas
• C. Alar ligaments
• D. Tectorial membrane

Answer: (B)

The key idea is how the dens (odontoid process) is kept in place so the atlas can pivot safely around it. The transverse ligament of the atlas forms a strong band that stretches across the ring of the atlas, behind the dens and in front of the spinal cord. This band holds the dens tightly against the anterior arch of the atlas, preventing it from moving posteriorly or the atlas from sliding on the dens during movement. In this way, the dens acts as the pivot, and the transverse ligament keeps it in the correct contact with the atlas to stabilize the joint. For context, the alar ligaments connect the dens to the occipital bones and help limit rotation of the head; the tectorial membrane is the upward continuation of the posterior longitudinal ligament that covers the dens inside the foramen magnum; and the anterior longitudinal ligament runs along the front of the vertebral bodies.

The key idea is how the dens (odontoid process) is kept in place so the atlas can pivot safely around it. The transverse ligament of the atlas forms a strong band that stretches across the ring of the atlas, behind the dens and in front of the spinal cord. This band holds the dens tightly against the anterior arch of the atlas, preventing it from moving posteriorly or the atlas from sliding on the dens during movement. In this way, the dens acts as the pivot, and the transverse ligament keeps it in the correct contact with the atlas to stabilize the joint.

For context, the alar ligaments connect the dens to the occipital bones and help limit rotation of the head; the tectorial membrane is the upward continuation of the posterior longitudinal ligament that covers the dens inside the foramen magnum; and the anterior longitudinal ligament runs along the front of the vertebral bodies.