Where is the dorsal longitudinal ligament located?

• A. In front of the vertebral bodies
• B. Between the laminae
• C. Surrounding the spinal cord
• D. Behind the vertebral bodies

Answer: (D)

The dorsal longitudinal ligament is the posterior longitudinal ligament, which runs along the posterior surface of the vertebral bodies within the vertebral canal. It lies behind the vertebral bodies, in front of the spinal cord and its coverings, helping to limit flexion and protect the spinal cord from anterior herniation. This makes it clearly distinct from the other options: it isn’t between the laminae (that would be ligamentum flavum), it isn’t surrounding the spinal cord (that’s the meninges), and it isn’t in front of the vertebral bodies (that would be the anterior longitudinal ligament).