| transverse ligament of the atlas | Thick, strong, centrally flattened band spanning the vertebral foramen of the atlas as it extends from the medial aspect of one lateral mass to the other, passing dorsal to the dens with which it articulates; it forms the dorsal portion of the opening for the dens, tightly embracing its neck. It forms a part of the "cross-bar" of the cruciform ligament of the atlas. See: cruciform ligament of atlas. Synonym: ligamentum transversum atlantis, Lauth's ligament, transverse atlantal ligament. (05 Mar 2000) |
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| facet of atlas for dens | A circular facet on the posterior (inner) surface of the anterior arch of the atlas which articulates with the dens of the axis. Synonym: fovea dentis atlantis, pit of atlas for dens. (05 Mar 2000) |
| lateral mass of atlas | The thick lateral part of the atlas on each side that articulates above with the occipital condyle and below with the axis. Synonym: massa lateralis atlantis. (05 Mar 2000) |