Which ligament limits skull rotation?

Which ligament limits skull rotation?

• A. Alar ligaments
• B. Dens
• C. Transverse ligament of the atlas
• D. Cruciate ligament

Answer: (A)

The skull’s ability to rotate mainly involves the atlantoaxial region, with the dens acting as the pivot. The alar ligaments run from the apex of the dens to the occipital condyles. As the head turns, these ligaments become taut and restrict excessive rotation, stabilizing the connection between the skull and spine and limiting rotational movement at the craniocervical junction. They also help limit lateral bending. The other options aren’t primarily about limiting rotation: the dens is a bone, not a ligament; the transverse ligament of the atlas holds the atlas against the dens to prevent anterior dislocation but isn’t the main restraint on rotation; and the cruciate ligament’s role is to keep the dens properly in place rather than directly limiting rotation.

The skull’s ability to rotate mainly involves the atlantoaxial region, with the dens acting as the pivot. The alar ligaments run from the apex of the dens to the occipital condyles. As the head turns, these ligaments become taut and restrict excessive rotation, stabilizing the connection between the skull and spine and limiting rotational movement at the craniocervical junction. They also help limit lateral bending. The other options aren’t primarily about limiting rotation: the dens is a bone, not a ligament; the transverse ligament of the atlas holds the atlas against the dens to prevent anterior dislocation but isn’t the main restraint on rotation; and the cruciate ligament’s role is to keep the dens properly in place rather than directly limiting rotation.