Where does the PLL attach along the spine?

Where does the PLL attach along the spine?

• A. Epiphyseal rims and intervertebral discs from C2 to sacrum
• B. Only to vertebral bodies
• C. Only to spinous processes
• D. To the posterior arch

Answer: (A)

The posterior longitudinal ligament runs inside the vertebral canal along the posterior surface of the vertebral bodies and the adjacent intervertebral discs, attaching to the epiphyseal rims of the bones. It stretches continuously from around C2 down to the sacrum. This makes the description of attaching to the epiphyseal rims and intervertebral discs from C2 to sacrum the best: it’s not limited to vertebral bodies alone, nor attached to spinous processes or the posterior arch. This placement helps limit excessive flexion and supports the spinal canal.

The posterior longitudinal ligament runs inside the vertebral canal along the posterior surface of the vertebral bodies and the adjacent intervertebral discs, attaching to the epiphyseal rims of the bones. It stretches continuously from around C2 down to the sacrum. This makes the description of attaching to the epiphyseal rims and intervertebral discs from C2 to sacrum the best: it’s not limited to vertebral bodies alone, nor attached to spinous processes or the posterior arch. This placement helps limit excessive flexion and supports the spinal canal.