Denticulate ligaments

Denticulate ligaments
The medulla spinalis and its membranes. (Ligamentum denticulatum labeled vertically at bottom left.)
Diagrammatic transverse section of the medulla spinalis and its membranes. (Denticulate ligament not labeled, but region is visible.)
Latin	ligamentum denticulatum
Gray's	subject #185 750
Dorlands/Elsevier	l_09/12492205

The pia mater has 21 pairs of denticulate ligaments which attach it to the arachnoid and dura maters. Named for their tooth like appearance, the denticulate ligaments are traditionally believed to provide stability for the spinal cord against motion within the vertebral column.

Additional images

• 

  A portion of the spinal cord, showing its right lateral surface. The dura is opened and arranged to show the nerve roots.

Sources

• Tubbs R, Salter G, Grabb P, Oakes W (2001). "The denticulate ligament: anatomy and functional significance.". J Neurosurg 94 (2 Suppl): 271-5. PMID 11302630.
• Clinically Oriented Anatomy. Moore, Keith and Arthur F. Dalley. Philadelphia, Lipincott, Williams and Williams 2006.

External links

• denticulate+ligament at eMedicine Dictionary
• SUNY Figs 02:05-03 - "Coverings of the spinal cord."