Ligamenta Flava

These are the paired ligaments formed of yellow elastic fibrous tissues. These tissues bind together the laminae of adjoining vertebrae and form the posterior wall of the vertebral canal between the vertebra and laminae. Each ligament consists of two lateral sides which originate one on either side of the roots of the articular processes. The yellow elastic fibers are attached to the laminae, in a perpendicular direction. Ligaments are thin in cervical region, thicker in thoracic and thickest in lumbar region. Its elasticity helps the vertebral column in resuming its upright posture after flexion. Hypertrophy of the ligament must be ignored.