Ligamentum longitudinale posterius
Last edit by Alaric Steinmetz on
Synonyms: PLL, Hinteres Längsband, posterior longitudinal ligament
The posterior longitudinal ligament is a ligament of the spine located in the Spinal canal. It lies on the dorsal aspect of the vertebral bodies and the Intervertebral discs located between them.
Anatomy
The fiber bundles of the posterior longitudinal ligament radiate into the annuli fibrosi of the intervertebral discs and extend laterally at the level of the discs to establish a firm connection with them. In the region of the vertebral bodies, the ligament is narrower and is attached only to their superior and inferior margins. Cranially, the posterior longitudinal ligament continues from the level of the axis as the Membrana tectoria.
Figure
Function
The posterior longitudinal ligament serves to stabilize the spine and limits anteflexion. It also protects against disc herniation.
Clinical relevance
Calcification of the posterior longitudinal ligament is referred to as OPLL.
