Longitudinal ligament

The longitudinal ligaments are two sets of ligaments that run along the spine.

The anterior longitudinal ligament and posterior longitudinal ligament are both illustrated in this image; the anterior longitudinal ligament is to the far left, while the posterior longitudinal ligament is left of the center.

These are:

• Anterior longitudinal ligament (ligamentum longitudinale anterius), which runs down the anterior surface of the spine
• Posterior longitudinal ligament (ligamentum longitudinale posterius), which is situated within the vertebral canal, and extends along the posterior surfaces of the bodies of the vertebrae