| Cruciate ligament of atlas | |
|---|---|
 Membrana tectoria, transverse, and alar ligaments. ("Transverse ligament" and "vertical portion" visible intersecting at center.) | |
| Details | |
| System | skeletal |
| From | medial tubercles of atlas bone (C1), anterior side of foramen magnum of occipital bone of skull, body of axis bone (C2) |
| Identifiers | |
| Latin | ligamentum cruciforme atlantis |
| TA98 | A03.2.04.004 |
| TA2 | 1699 |
| FMA | 25018 |
| Anatomical terminology | |
The cruciate ligament of the atlas (cruciform ligament) is a cross-shaped (thus the name) ligament in the neck forming part of the atlanto-axial joint. It consists of the transverse ligament of atlas, a superior longitudinal band, and an inferior longitudinal band.
The cruciate ligament of the atlas prevents abnormal movement of the atlanto-axial joint.
It may be torn, such as by fractures of the atlas bone.
