transverse ligament of the atlas


trans·verse lig·a·ment of the at·las

[TA] 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 also: cruciate ligament of the atlas.
Synonym(s): ligamentum transversum atlantis [TA], Lauth ligament, transverse atlantal ligament

Lauth,

Thomas, German anatomist and surgeon, 1758-1826. Lauth ligament - Synonym(s): transverse ligament of the atlas