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Cruciate ligament
Parts
Longitudinal bands
Transverse ligament of axis
Group
Vertebral ligaments
Description
The cruciate is a cross-shaped ligament associated with the occipitoatlantoaxial complex. It has a vertical band and a horizontal band, which together bind the three bones and anchor the odontoid process of the axis to the atlas.
Function
Stabilize the occipitoatlantoaxial complex and stabilizes the joint between the dens of the axis and the anterior arch of the atlas, allowing for the pivoting motion between these two bones.