| Ligamenta flava | |
|---|---|
 Vertebral arches of three thoracic vertebrae viewed from the front | |
 | |
| Details | |
| System | Skeletal |
| From | Laminae of adjacent vertebrae |
| Identifiers | |
| Latin | ligamenta flava (singular: ligamentum flavum) |
| MeSH | D017843 |
| TA98 | A03.2.01.003 |
| TA2 | 1675 |
| FMA | 76816 |
| Anatomical terminology | |
The ligamenta flava (sg.: ligamentum flavum, Latin for yellow ligament) are a series of ligaments that connect the ventral parts of the laminae of adjacent vertebrae. They help to preserve upright posture, preventing hyperflexion, and ensuring that the vertebral column straightens after flexion. Hypertrophy can cause spinal stenosis.
They appear yellowish in colour due to their high elastic fibre content.[1]
- ^ Sinnatamby, Chummy (2011). Last's Anatomy (12th ed.). p. 424. ISBN 978-0-7295-3752-0.