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    From Musculoskeletal System

    Mandible
    Lower jawbone that houses the teeth.
    Nasal Bones
    Bones forming the bridge of the nose.
    Sacroiliac Ligaments
    Ligaments connecting the sacrum to the iliac bones.
    Soleus
    Calf muscle responsible for plantarflexion of the foot.
    Quadriceps
    Rectus Femoris, Vastus Medialis, Vastus Lateralis, Vastus Intermedius.
    Clavicle
    Collarbone connecting the arm to the body.
    Coccyx
    Tailbone, the remnant of the tail in humans.
    Thoracic Vertebrae (T1 - T12)
    Vertebrae in the upper and mid-back (T1-T12).
    Cranial Bones
    Bones of the skull that protect the brain.
    Temporalis
    Muscle involved in closing the jaw.
    Zygomaticus
    Muscle that raises the corners of the mouth.
    Biceps Tendon
    Tendon that attaches the biceps muscle to the bone.
    Adductors
    Muscles that bring the thighs toward the midline.
    Occipital Bone
    Bone forming the back and base of the skull.
    Metatarsals (5 bones)
    5 bones forming the mid-foot.
    Levator Ani
    Pelvic floor muscle responsible for lifting the anus.
    Rotator Cuff Muscles
    Supraspinatus, Infraspinatus, Teres Minor, Subscapularis.
    Lacrimal Bones
    Bones forming part of the eye socket and housing the tear ducts.
    Brachioradialis
    Muscle responsible for forearm flexion.
    Posterior Cruciate Ligament (PCL)
    Knee ligament that stabilizes the joint.
    Coracoacromial Ligament
    Ligament that connects the acromion to the coracoid process.
    Pivot Joints
    e.g., atlanto-axial joint
    Flexor Tendons
    Tendons that help flex the fingers and toes.
    Achilles Tendon
    Tendon connecting the calf muscle to the heel bone.
    Metacarpals (5 bones)
    5 bones forming the palm of the hand.

    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? Your hand has 5 metacarpal bones.