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    Upper arm bone connecting the shoulder to the elbow.
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    Bones forming part of the hard palate and nasal cavity.
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    Knee cap, protecting the knee joint.
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    The anterior scalene muscle is a deep neck muscle that elevates the first rib during inspiration and aids in neck flexion and stability, located between key neurovascular structures.
    Vomer Bone
    Bone forming the nasal septum.
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    Bones forming the sides and roof of the skull.
    Annular Ligament
    The annular ligament is a strong fibrous band encircling the head of the radius, stabilizing the proximal radioulnar joint and allowing smooth rotation of the forearm.
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    Bony structure of the head that encases the brain.
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    Fibrous joints where a peg fits into a socket (e.g., teeth in jaw).
    Sartorius
    Longest muscle in the body responsible for hip flexion.
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    Supraspinatus, Infraspinatus, Teres Minor, Subscapularis.
    Gluteus Maximus
    Largest muscle in the buttocks responsible for hip extension.
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    Back muscle responsible for arm adduction and extension.
    Lateral Collateral Ligament (LCL)
    Knee ligament that stabilizes the outer knee.
    Sternum
    Breastbone located in the center of the chest.
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    Cartilaginous joints where bones are connected by hyaline cartilage.
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    Bones forming part of the eye socket and housing the tear ducts.
    Abductor Digiti Minimi Muscle
    The abductor digiti minimi muscle is a hypothenar muscle that abducts and flexes the little finger, aiding grip and precision in hand movements.
    Quadriceps
    Rectus Femoris, Vastus Medialis, Vastus Lateralis, Vastus Intermedius.
    Mandible
    Lower jawbone that houses the teeth.
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    Cheekbones that form part of the orbit.
    Achilles Tendon
    Tendon connecting the calf muscle to the heel bone.

    Ligamentum Flavum

    Reviewed by our medical team

    Spinal ligament connecting the laminae of adjacent vertebrae.

    1. Overview

    The ligamentum flavum (Latin for “yellow ligament”) is a series of paired elastic ligaments that connect the laminae of adjacent vertebrae from the cervical to the sacral region. These ligaments are part of the posterior wall of the vertebral canal and contribute significantly to spinal stability and posture. Their elasticity allows for smooth motion during spinal flexion and extension while maintaining tension on the vertebral column.

    2. Location

    The ligamentum flavum is located on the posterior aspect of the vertebral canal:

    • Extends from: The axis (C2) to the sacrum, segmentally connecting the laminae of adjacent vertebrae.

    • Position: Lies just anterior to the laminae and posterior to the spinal cord and dura mater.

    • Part of: The inner wall of the vertebral arch, forming a continuous part of the posterior boundary of the spinal canal.

    3. Structure

    The ligamentum flavum is a paired elastic ligament with the following features:

    • Composition: Rich in elastin fibers (up to 80%), giving it a yellowish appearance and high elasticity.

    • Arrangement: Each ligament extends between the anterior surface of the upper vertebra's lamina to the posterior surface of the lamina below.

    • Thickness: Thickest in the lumbar region (~3–5 mm), where mechanical demand is greatest; thinnest in the cervical region.

    • Paired nature: Each side is separated by the midline and attaches to the right or left side of the lamina.

    4. Function

    The ligamentum flavum serves several important mechanical functions:

    • Maintains spinal posture: Helps maintain an upright posture by providing continuous tension on the vertebral column.

    • Assists recoil during movement: Its elastic nature helps the spine return to a neutral position after flexion.

    • Protects neural structures: Prevents buckling into the spinal canal during extension, protecting the spinal cord and nerve roots.

    • Supports laminar alignment: Helps maintain close approximation between adjacent vertebral laminae.

    5. Physiological role(s)

    In addition to structural support, the ligamentum flavum contributes to several physiological processes:

    • Energy conservation: Stores elastic energy during flexion and releases it during extension, reducing the workload on back muscles.

    • Stabilization: Helps stabilize spinal segments during minor movements and prevents excessive flexion or rotation.

    • Limits abrupt motion: Acts as a buffer to protect the intervertebral discs and facet joints from sudden jolts.

    6. Clinical Significance

    The ligamentum flavum is implicated in several spinal pathologies and surgical concerns:

    • Ligamentum flavum hypertrophy:

      • Thickening of the ligament, especially in the lumbar region, can narrow the spinal canal (spinal stenosis), compressing the spinal cord or nerve roots.

    • Spinal stenosis:

      • Hypertrophied or ossified ligamentum flavum contributes significantly to central canal stenosis, leading to symptoms such as back pain, neurogenic claudication, and sciatica.

    • Ligamentum flavum cysts:

      • Degenerative cysts can form within or adjacent to the ligament, causing mass effect on neural structures.

    • Surgical relevance:

      • Often resected during laminectomy or spinal decompression procedures; care must be taken to avoid injury to the dura mater underneath.

    • Ossification (OLF):

      • More common in thoracic spine and certain populations (e.g., East Asians), ossified ligamentum flavum can cause myelopathy requiring surgical intervention.

    Did you know? Bones in the feet form arches that provide balance and flexibility.