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  1. Neck
    1. Ligamentum nuchae (Fr. nuque, back of neck)
      attachments - from C7 spinous process to external occipital protuberance with slips to intervening spinous processes
      function - attachment for cervical muscles
    2. Transverse (cruciate) of atlas
      attachments - from lateral mass to lateral mass of atlas
      function - maintains articulation between dens and anterior arch of the atlas
    3. Tectorial membrane [L. an overlying surface]
      attachments - from the posterior surface of axial body to anterior margin of the foramen magnum
      function - supports atlanto-occipital & atlanto-axial joints
    4. Alar (check)
      attachments - from dens to medial aspect of the occipital condyles
      function - limits rotation of the median atlanto-axial joint
    5. Anterior atlanto-occipital membrane
      attachments - from anterior arch of the atlas to the adjacent occipital bone
      function - supports atlanto-occipital joints & helps to limit extension of the head
    6. Posterior atlanto-occipital membrane
      attachments - from posterior arch of the atlas to the adjacent occipital bone
      function - supports atlanto-occipital joints
  2. Head
    1. Lateral temporomandibular
      attachments - from zygomatic process of temporal bone to mandibular neck
      function - supports joint capsule in maintaining articulation, & helps to limit depression & retraction

Overview