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Alar ligament
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The alar ligaments are short round ligaments that originate on the dens axis (C2) (odontoid process) and attach onto the medial parts of the occipital condyles. They are part of the stabilisers of the craniovertebral joints.
The craniovertebral joints include the atlantoaxial and the atlantooccipital joint and various ligaments stabilise these joints.
The alar ligaments are paired ligaments that prevent excessive rotation at the joints. They limit axial rotation and lateral flexion on the contralateral side. It is also important to note that these ligaments have been reported to have many anatomical variations.
| Terminology | English: alar ligament Latin: ligamenta alaria |
| Location | Between the dens axis (C2) and occipital condyles |
| Function | Prevent excessive rotation at craniovertebral joints |
Learn more about the alar ligament in this study unit:
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