Costotransverse ligament

Costotransverse ligament
Details
From	rib
To	transverse process of a vertebra
Identifiers
Latin	ligamentum costotransversarium
TA98	A03.3.04.006
TA2	1725
FMA	12163
Anatomical terminology

A Costotransverse ligament is a short fibrous band that connects a rib with the transverse process of vertebra. They are some of the ligaments that surround the costovertebral joint.

Types

There are three types of costotransverse ligaments in the human body: costo-transverse ligament; lateral costotransverse ligament; and superior costotransverse ligament. In addition, some sources also list the inferior costotransverse ligament, and the posterior costotransverse ligament in this grouping.

Functions

• Support and prevent dislocation of ribs and limit the costotransverse joint to perform a gliding movement.
• Their posterior surfaces provide attachment points for the extensor muscles (deep group) of the back.