Which ligament is responsible for limiting extension of the spine?

Which ligament is responsible for limiting extension of the spine?

• A. Dorsal longitudinal ligament
• B. Ventral longitudinal ligament
• C. Supraspinous ligament
• D. Interspinous ligament

Answer: (B)

Extending the spine is restrained by ligaments that run along the front and back of the vertebral column in directions that oppose that motion. The ventral (anterior) longitudinal ligament lies along the front surface of the vertebral bodies and runs the entire length of the spine. When you try to extend the spine, this ligament becomes taut, preventing further backward bending and protecting the front of the spine from hyperextension. In contrast, the dorsal (posterior) longitudinal ligament, which sits along the back inside the spinal canal, mainly helps limit excessive flexion. The supraspinous and interspinous ligaments run along the tips of the spinous processes and between them, respectively, and also primarily limit flexion. So the ligament that best limits extension is the ventral (anterior) longitudinal ligament.

Extending the spine is restrained by ligaments that run along the front and back of the vertebral column in directions that oppose that motion. The ventral (anterior) longitudinal ligament lies along the front surface of the vertebral bodies and runs the entire length of the spine. When you try to extend the spine, this ligament becomes taut, preventing further backward bending and protecting the front of the spine from hyperextension.

In contrast, the dorsal (posterior) longitudinal ligament, which sits along the back inside the spinal canal, mainly helps limit excessive flexion. The supraspinous and interspinous ligaments run along the tips of the spinous processes and between them, respectively, and also primarily limit flexion. So the ligament that best limits extension is the ventral (anterior) longitudinal ligament.