superior/anterior costotransverse ligament

Introduction

The fibrous band that extends upward from the neck of a rib to the transverse process of the next higher vertebra. May be divided into:

• strong anterior costotransverse ligament &
• weak posterior costotransverse ligament

The ligament splits laterally into two sheets, between which lie the levator costae & external intercostal. The dorsal ramus of a thoracic nerve passes posterior to this ligament.

More general terms

• ligament

Additional terms

• lateral/posterior costotransverse ligament
• middle costotransverse ligament