Trunk (thorax, abdomen, back)
Ligamenta flava (Yellow ligaments)
Ligamenta flava
- Origin
- Anterior surface of the lamina of the vertebra above
- Insertion
- Posterior surface of the upper border of the lamina of the vertebra below
- Function
- Preserves upright posture and assists the vertebral column in returning to neutral after flexion; prevents pinching of the dura mater
- Innervation
- Dorsal rami of spinal nerves (sinuvertebral nerves)
- Movement & chain
- Stretches during forward spinal flexion and recoils during extension without folding into the spinal canal
- Palpation
- Not directly palpable; situated deeply along posterior wall of the spinal canal
- Clinical
- Ligamentum flavum hypertrophy/buckling is a primary contributor to lumbar spinal stenosis and neurogenic claudication. Pierced during lumbar puncture and epidural anesthesia ('pop' sensation).
- Segmental innervation
- C2–S1 segmental
- In clinical practice
- Key tactile landmark in epidural placement and pain management interventions
- Region in the model
- Trunk (thorax, abdomen, back)