Superior Costotransverse Ligament
Ligamentum costotransversarium superius
Read moreAnatomical Relations
The superior costotransverse ligaments are comprised of strong fibrous bands that fix the necks of each rib to the inferior border of the transverse processes of the thoracic vertebrae above it. The first rib does not have a superior costotransverse ligament. Additionally, the twelfth rib has a lumbocostal ligament that attaches the shaft of the twelfth rib to the transverse process of the first lumbar vertebra.
Structure
The superior costotransverse ligaments are composed of two layers, the anterior and posterior layers.
The anterior layer attaches from the crest of the neck to the interior border of the transverse process above. It blends laterally with the internal intercostal membrane.
The posterior layer attaches more posteriorly on the neck of the rib and ascends to the inferior border of the transverse process above. It blends with the external intercostal muscles laterally.
Function
The superior costotransverse ligaments reinforce the costotransverse joint, limiting its movement to slight gliding.
