Which ligament checks hyperextension of the vertebral column?

• A. Anterior longitudinal ligament
• B. Ligamentum flavum
• C. Posterior longitudinal ligament
• D. Interspinous ligament

Answer: (A)

The main idea is that the anterior longitudinal ligament is the primary restraint to hyperextension of the spine. It runs along the front (anterior) surface of the vertebral bodies and intervertebral discs from the skull base to the sacrum. When the spine tends to extend, this ligament becomes taut and prevents the vertebrae from moving too far backward, providing the strongest check against hyperextension.

Other ligaments are more involved in limiting flexion (forward bending) or assisting movement. The ligamentum flavum and the posterior longitudinal ligament, situated on the back or within the spinal canal, primarily resist flexion and help stabilize during bending forward. The interspinous and supraspinous ligaments connect the spinous processes and also limit flexion.