Corpus: Tectorial membrane
1. Definition
The term membrana tectoria refers to two different structures in anatomy.
1.1. Tectorial membrane of the inner ear
The tectorial membrane of the inner ear is an acellular gelatinous membrane that floats above the hair cells of the ear and originates at the limbus of the spiral lamina of cochlea.
1.2. Tectorial membrane of the cervical spine
The tectorial membrane of the cervical spine is a broad ligament located in the spinal canal that covers the dens axis and its ligaments. It is the cranial extension of the posterior longitudinal ligament.
The tectorial membrane is attached caudally to the back of the dens axis and runs in the direction of the occipital bone to the foramen magnum. There its fibres intermingle with those of the cranial dura mater.