Intertransverse ligaments

At a glance

English

Intertransverse ligaments

Latin (TA2)

Ligamenta intertransversaria

System

Ligament

Region

Neck

Side

Paired, left and right

About the intertransverse ligaments

The intertransverse ligaments join the transverse processes of adjacent vertebrae, one ligament on each side at each level. They lie lateral to the vertebral arches and behind the vertebral bodies, in the plane of the transverse processes, and they are among the less substantial ligaments of the spine.

Their form varies greatly from one region to another. In the neck they are no more than a few scattered, irregular fibres, and they are largely replaced by the small intertransverse muscles. Across the thorax they become rounded cords that are closely bound to the deep back musculature. Lower down, between the lumbar vertebrae, they form thin membranous sheets that stretch between the long transverse processes.

Throughout their length they tend to merge with the intertransverse muscles, so it can be hard to separate ligament from muscle in dissection. In the lumbar spine the membrane helps to divide the muscles in front of the transverse processes from those behind, and branches of the spinal nerves pass close to its edges.

Their main function is to limit side bending of the trunk. When the spine flexes laterally, the transverse processes on the convex side move apart and the ligaments on that side tighten. Clinically they are most familiar to spinal surgeons: in posterolateral lumbar fusion, bone graft is laid along the transverse processes and the intertransverse membrane between them so that a bridge of new bone can join the vertebrae.

Attachments and function

Attaches from

The lower border of the transverse process of one vertebra.

Attaches to

The upper border of the transverse process of the vertebra below.

Function

Limits lateral flexion of the vertebral column.