Above C2, ALL continuous with which structure?

Above C2, ALL continuous with which structure?

• A. Medial portion of anterior atlanto-occipital membrane
• B. Posterior atlanto-occipital membrane
• C. Dura
• D. Tectorial membrane

Answer: (A)

The anterior longitudinal ligament continues above the axis by blending with the anterior atlanto-occipital membrane. Specifically, the medial portion of this membrane carries the cranial continuation of the ALL up to the base of the skull, linking the anterior arch of the atlas with the occipital bone. This continuity helps stabilize the craniocervical junction during movements. The posterior atlanto-occipital membrane lies on the opposite (posterior) aspect and is not a continuation of the ALL, while the dura and the tectorial membrane relate to different longitudinal ligaments (PLL) and not to the ALL’s cranial continuation.

The anterior longitudinal ligament continues above the axis by blending with the anterior atlanto-occipital membrane. Specifically, the medial portion of this membrane carries the cranial continuation of the ALL up to the base of the skull, linking the anterior arch of the atlas with the occipital bone. This continuity helps stabilize the craniocervical junction during movements. The posterior atlanto-occipital membrane lies on the opposite (posterior) aspect and is not a continuation of the ALL, while the dura and the tectorial membrane relate to different longitudinal ligaments (PLL) and not to the ALL’s cranial continuation.