Ligament · Neck

Anterior atlanto axial ligament

Ligamentum atlantoaxiale anterius

A membrane across the front of the joint between the first and second neck vertebrae, running from the lower edge of the atlas's anterior arch down onto the front of the body of the axis. Its central portion is a distinct strong cord, and that cord is nothing new — it is the anterior longitudinal ligament, the band running the whole length of the front of the spine, continuing up past this level. It is drawn tight as the head tips back, making it the front-of-joint check on extension at the top of the neck.