Reconsidering the tectorial membrane: A morphological study
Background: Published descriptions of the tectorial membrane have been inconsistent. Descriptions vary from a simple ligamentous band extending between the axis and occiput to a more complex layered structure composed of bands of fibers. The purpose of this study was to examine and document the macr...
| Main Authors: | , |
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| Format: | Article |
| Language: | English |
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Wolters Kluwer Medknow Publications
2020-01-01
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| Series: | Journal of Craniovertebral Junction and Spine |
| Subjects: | |
| Online Access: | http://www.jcvjs.com/article.asp?issn=0974-8237;year=2020;volume=11;issue=3;spage=180;epage=185;aulast=Osmotherly |
| _version_ | 1818514611731693568 |
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| author | Peter Grant Osmotherly Darren A Rivett |
| author_facet | Peter Grant Osmotherly Darren A Rivett |
| author_sort | Peter Grant Osmotherly |
| collection | DOAJ |
| description | Background: Published descriptions of the tectorial membrane have been inconsistent. Descriptions vary from a simple ligamentous band extending between the axis and occiput to a more complex layered structure composed of bands of fibers. The purpose of this study was to examine and document the macrostructure of the tectorial membrane.
Materials and Methods: The tectorial membrane was examined by fine dissection in 11 formalin-fixed human adult cadavers. Detailed descriptions of the macrostructure and attachments were recorded.
Results: Each tectorial membrane examined consisted of two distinct layers. The superficial layer was composed variably of three or four bands. Its fibers extend caudally over multiple spinal levels, becoming continuous with the posterior longitudinal ligament. The deeper layer routinely consisted of three bands, each being firmly adherent to the posterior aspect of the body of the second cervical vertebra. Attachments of fibers from both layers extended beyond the foramen magnum to create a semicircular attachment onto the base of the skull.
Conclusions: The tectorial membrane has a more complex structure than has been described to date in standard anatomical texts. The existence of a layered and banded composition may have implications for understanding its function and for the clinical assessment of this structure. |
| first_indexed | 2024-12-11T00:18:08Z |
| format | Article |
| id | doaj.art-a2673330cd7b4433bd73c554360039c2 |
| institution | Directory Open Access Journal |
| issn | 0974-8237 |
| language | English |
| last_indexed | 2024-12-11T00:18:08Z |
| publishDate | 2020-01-01 |
| publisher | Wolters Kluwer Medknow Publications |
| record_format | Article |
| series | Journal of Craniovertebral Junction and Spine |
| spelling | doaj.art-a2673330cd7b4433bd73c554360039c22022-12-22T01:27:52ZengWolters Kluwer Medknow PublicationsJournal of Craniovertebral Junction and Spine0974-82372020-01-0111318018510.4103/jcvjs.JCVJS_91_20Reconsidering the tectorial membrane: A morphological studyPeter Grant OsmotherlyDarren A RivettBackground: Published descriptions of the tectorial membrane have been inconsistent. Descriptions vary from a simple ligamentous band extending between the axis and occiput to a more complex layered structure composed of bands of fibers. The purpose of this study was to examine and document the macrostructure of the tectorial membrane. Materials and Methods: The tectorial membrane was examined by fine dissection in 11 formalin-fixed human adult cadavers. Detailed descriptions of the macrostructure and attachments were recorded. Results: Each tectorial membrane examined consisted of two distinct layers. The superficial layer was composed variably of three or four bands. Its fibers extend caudally over multiple spinal levels, becoming continuous with the posterior longitudinal ligament. The deeper layer routinely consisted of three bands, each being firmly adherent to the posterior aspect of the body of the second cervical vertebra. Attachments of fibers from both layers extended beyond the foramen magnum to create a semicircular attachment onto the base of the skull. Conclusions: The tectorial membrane has a more complex structure than has been described to date in standard anatomical texts. The existence of a layered and banded composition may have implications for understanding its function and for the clinical assessment of this structure.http://www.jcvjs.com/article.asp?issn=0974-8237;year=2020;volume=11;issue=3;spage=180;epage=185;aulast=Osmotherlyaxiscervical atlascraniocervical anatomyligamenttectorial membrane |
| spellingShingle | Peter Grant Osmotherly Darren A Rivett Reconsidering the tectorial membrane: A morphological study Journal of Craniovertebral Junction and Spine axis cervical atlas craniocervical anatomy ligament tectorial membrane |
| title | Reconsidering the tectorial membrane: A morphological study |
| title_full | Reconsidering the tectorial membrane: A morphological study |
| title_fullStr | Reconsidering the tectorial membrane: A morphological study |
| title_full_unstemmed | Reconsidering the tectorial membrane: A morphological study |
| title_short | Reconsidering the tectorial membrane: A morphological study |
| title_sort | reconsidering the tectorial membrane a morphological study |
| topic | axis cervical atlas craniocervical anatomy ligament tectorial membrane |
| url | http://www.jcvjs.com/article.asp?issn=0974-8237;year=2020;volume=11;issue=3;spage=180;epage=185;aulast=Osmotherly |
| work_keys_str_mv | AT petergrantosmotherly reconsideringthetectorialmembraneamorphologicalstudy AT darrenarivett reconsideringthetectorialmembraneamorphologicalstudy |