tectorial membrane (of median atlantoaxial joint)

tec·to·ri·al mem·brane (of median atlantoaxial joint)

[TA] the upward continuation of the anterior part of the posterior longitudinal ligament attached to (spanning between) the upper surface of the basilar portion of the occipital bone and the bodies of the second and third cervical vertebrae; it forms a "roof" over the median atlantoaxial joint. Synonym(s): membrana tectoria (articulationis atlantoaxialis medianae) [TA], apparatus ligamentosus weitbrechti, posterior occipitoaxial ligament