Craniovertebral joints and ligaments

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The craniovertebral joints, as the name suggests, describe the skeletal connections between the cranium and the vertebral column. They are synovial joints, allowing for a large range of motion. The craniovertebral joints can be divided into two main articulations: the atlantooccipital joint and the atlantoaxial joints.

The atlantooccipital joint refers to the articulation between the superior articular surfaces of the atlas (C1) and the occipital condyles of the occipital bone. This joint permits flexion and extension and is used when nodding the head. Contributing to the stabilisation of the atlantooccipital articulation are the anterior and posterior atlantooccipital membranes, which extend from the atlas to the margins of the foramen magnum of the cranium. 

The atlantoaxial joints are formed by three articulations: two lateral atlantoaxial joints and one median atlantoaxial joint. The lateral atlantoaxial joints are formed by the articulations between the articular facets of the atlas and axis (C2) while the median atlantoaxial joint is formed by the articulation between the dens of axis and the anterior arch of atlas. These three joints permit rotation of the head and are further stabilized by the transverse ligament, the cruciform ligament, the alar ligaments and the tectorial membrane.

Find out more about the craniovertebral joints and ligaments by watching the video below.

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Browse atlas

Take a closer look at the joints and ligaments of the craniovertebral region in the gallery below!

Summary

Lateral atlanto-axial joints (synovial plane):