title: The denticulate ligament: anatomical properties, functional and clinical significance.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  It is widely believed that the main function of denticulate ligaments (DLs) is to stabilize the spinal cord within the vertebral canal. The aim of this study was to assess the anatomical and histological structure of the DLs and to document any regional differences.
  
  
  METHODS
  Five formalin-fixed adult cadavers were used. The DLs were exposed via the posterior approach, and detailed anatomy and histology of these structures were documented.
  
  
  RESULTS
  The main findings were: (1) each DL is composed of a single narrow fibrous strip that extends from the craniovertebral junction to T12, and each also features 18-20 triangular extensions that attach to the dura at their apices; (2) the triangular extensions are smaller and more numerous at the cervical levels, and are larger and less numerous at the thoracic levels; (3) the apices of the extensions attach to the dura via fibrous bands at cervical levels (each band 3-5 mm long) and lower thoracic levels (21-26 mm long), whereas they attach directly to the dura at upper thoracic levels; (4) the narrow fibrous strip of the DL features longitudinally oriented collagen fibers, whereas the triangular extensions are composed of transverse and obliquely oriented collagen fibers. The collagen fibers are thicker and more abundant at the cervical than at the thoracic levels.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  DL histology and anatomy are strongly correlated with the function of this structure at different spinal levels. It is important to have accurate knowledge about DLs as these structures are relevant for clinical procedures that involve the spinal cord or craniovertebral junction.
authors.affiliation: Marmara University Institute of Neurological Sciences, P.K.53, Basibuyuk 34854, Maltepe, Istanbul, Turkey.
authors.forename: Davut
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Ceylan
authors.forename: Necati
authors.initials: N
authors.lastname: Tatarlı
authors.forename: Tuychiboy
authors.initials: T
authors.lastname: Abdullaev
authors.forename: Aşkın
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Şeker
authors.forename: Sercan D
authors.initials: SD
authors.lastname: Yıldız
authors.forename: Evren
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: Keleş
authors.forename: Deniz
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Konya
authors.forename: Yaşar
authors.initials: Y
authors.lastname: Bayri
authors.forename: Türker
authors.initials: T
authors.lastname: Kiliç
authors.forename: Safiye
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Çavdar
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D002574:Cervical Vertebrae / Q000033:anatomy & histology; D004388:Dura Mater / Q000033:anatomy & histology; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008022:Ligaments / Q000033:anatomy & histology*; D008159:Lumbar Vertebrae / Q000033:anatomy & histology; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D016059:Range of Motion, Articular / Q000502:physiology; D012016:Reference Values; D012447:Sacrum / Q000033:anatomy & histology; D013115:Spinal Canal / Q000033:anatomy & histology*; D013116:Spinal Cord / Q000033:anatomy & histology*; D013904:Thoracic Vertebrae / Q000033:anatomy & histology