Ligamentum Flavum

Description

Ligamenta flava

Diagram depicting a midline sagittal cut of vertebrae with intact ligamentous structures. Ligaments of interest are outlined. The ligamentum flavum (red) forms the posterior wall of the vertebral column with the laminae. Just posterior, the interspinous ligament (blue) spans between adjacent spinous processes, while the supraspinous ligament (yellow) traverses over the most superior aspect of the spinous processes longitudinally

Name

• Plural: ligamenta flava
• Singular: ligamentum flavum
• Ligamenta Flava (plural)
• Yellow Ligament
• Yellow Spinal Ligament
• Elastic Ligament of the Spine
• Ligamentum Subflavum

Description

• Connect the laminae of adjacent vertebral arches on each side
• Form the posterior surface of the vertebral canal
• Runs from anterior surface of lamina to the posterior surface of the lamina below
• Converge and blend at the midline
• Begin at C2 vertebra and extend to the sacrum
• Thickest in the lumbar spine, where mechanical stress is greatest

Function

• Resist separation of the laminae during flexion
• Aid in extension of the vertebral column back to its erect anatomical posture
• Help prevent buckling into the spinal canal during movement

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Clinical Significance

• Ossification of Ligamentum Flavum (OLF)

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See Also

• Back Pain Main
• Physical Exam Back
• Back Anatomy Main

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