Fibrous Layer of Articular Capsule of Atlantooccipital Joint
Stratum fibrosa capsulae articularis articulationis atlantooccipitalis
Read moreStructure
The atlantooccipital joint is surrounded by a joint capsule and is composed of a fibrous layer and synovial membrane. The capsule is composed of tough interwoven fibers and tends to be looser and slacker to facilitate the variety of movements associated with this joint.
Related parts of the anatomy
Anatomical Relations
The fibrous layer of the atlantooccipital joint attaches along the margins of the articular surfaces, thus, enveloping them. These are the superior articular surfaces of the lateral mass of the atlas and the occipital condyles. The condyles are positioned on both sides of foramen magnum.
The fibrous layer blends with the anterior longitudinal ligament on their anteromedial aspects and with the posterior atlantooccipital membrane posteriorly.
Function
The fibrous layer adds and maintains the stability of the atlantooccipital joint. It restricts excessive movements of the articulating surfaces by tightening as they move.
List of Clinical Correlates
—Atlantooccipital joint subluxation
—Osteoarthritis
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Atlantoaxial Joint
The atlantoaxial joint is made up of the articulation between the anterior arch of the atlas and the dens of the axis, between the dens and the transverse ligament of the atlas with its articular cartilage, and between the lateral mass of the atlas and the body of the axis.
