Superior costotransverse ligament
Ligament of the rib and spine
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
A superior costotransverse ligament is a ligament of the costotransverse joint that attaches onto the crest of the neck of a rib, and onto the transverse process of the vertebra superior to the rib.[1][2]
| Superior costotransverse ligament | |
|---|---|
| Details | |
| Identifiers | |
| Latin | ligamentum costotransversarium superius |
| TA98 | A03.3.04.007 |
| TA2 | 1726 |
| FMA | 8958 8958, 8958 |
| Anatomical terminology | |
The ligament may be subdivided into a strong anterior costotransverse ligament, and a weak posterior costotransverse ligament.[1]
The ligament is absent in the first rib.[2]
Structure
The superior costotransverse ligament is a strong,[3][better source needed] broad fibrous band.[1]
It comprises two layers:[2]
- The anterior layer attaches at the crest of the neck of rib, and at the inferior aspect of the transverse process of the above vertebra.[2] It extends obliquely superolaterally from the rib to the vertebra.[3][better source needed] The intercostal nerve and vessels pass across the anterior layer.[2]
- The posterior layer attaches at the posterior aspect of the neck of rib, and (the inferior border of[3][better source needed]) the transverse process of the above vertebra. It extends superomedially from the rib to the vertebra. It blends laterally with the external intercostal muscle.[2]
