Anatomical Relations
The ligamenta flava are paired structures that adjoin the lamellae of adjacent vertebral foramina.
Related parts of the anatomy
Function
The ligamenta flava keep adjacent laminae together and prevent hyperflexion. They aid in the straightening of the flexed vertebral column. The relative elasticity of the ligamenta flava prevents the ligaments from causing stenosis of the spinal canal during movement.
Structure
The fibers of the ligamenta flava are predominantly elastic. The ligaments are thickest in the lumbar region which aids postural integrity. It is composed of superficial and a deep layer, in which the fibers in each layer travel in opposing directions.
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Ligamentum flavum
The ligamentum flavum is a two-layered structure that spans the interlaminar space between adjacent segments, originating on the ventral surface of the suprajacent lamina approximately halfway up the lamina and inserting on the superior edge of the subjacent lamina.
