Question

1. if your friend asked you to explain the ligaments of the spine that support and reinforce the joints of the vertebral column, your explanation might include all of the following points except

a. the vertebral bodies are connected by the alar ligaments and the transverse ligament of the atlas.
b. the vertebral bodies are connected by anterior and posterior longitudinal ligaments.
c. the atlanto - occipital membranes, the alar ligaments, the transverse ligament of the atlas, and the tectorial membranes reinforce the craniovertebral joints.
d. the vertebral arches are connected by the ligamenta flava, the interspinous ligaments, the supraspinous ligament, the nuchal ligament, and the intertransverse ligaments.

Explanation:

The alar ligaments and the transverse ligament of the atlas do not connect the vertebral bodies. The anterior and posterior longitudinal ligaments connect the vertebral bodies. The ligaments in options c and d are correctly described in terms of their functions in reinforcing relevant spinal - related joints and connections.

Answer:

A. The vertebral bodies are connected by the alar ligaments and the transverse ligament of the atlas.