The anterior longitudinal ligament is a thick and strong band that runs the length of the spine, lying on the anterior surfaces of the vertebral bodies and their respective intervertebral discs.

It extends throughout most of the spine, originating from the basilar part (Read more!) of the occipital bone, passing over the anterior tubercle of the atlas (C1) (Read more!) - where it may slightly narrow - and then continuing downward along the spine. Finally, it terminates at the pelvic surface (Read more!) of the upper sacral vertebrae of the sacrum.

The anterior longitudinal ligament is thicker and narrower in the thoracic region, but it becomes wider towards the sacrum. It is broader than the posterior longitudinal ligament. The anterior longitudinal ligament is composed of three layers:

Deep layer - covers two adjacent vertebral bodies;
Intermediate layer - spans across two or three vertebrae;
Superficial layer - connects up to five vertebral bodies.

The anterior longitudinal ligament is one of the primary stabilizers of the spine and is the only spinal ligament that limits extension and hyperextension. Additionally, it prevents posterior and anterior movements of adjacent vertebral bodies during spinal extension.

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Anterior longitudinal ligament