Which ligament connects the internal surface of the laminae of adjacent vertebrae?

• A. Ligamentum flavum
• B. Anterior longitudinal ligament
• C. Posterior longitudinal ligament
• D. Supraspinous ligament

Answer: (A)

Ligamentum flavum is the elastic connection between the laminae of adjacent vertebrae, attaching to the inner surfaces of the laminae and spanning the vertebral canal. Its elastic fibers give it a yellow color and allow it to stretch during forward bending and recoil as you return to upright, helping preserve canal diameter and posture. The other ligaments run along different structures: the anterior longitudinal ligament along the fronts of the vertebral bodies, the posterior longitudinal ligament inside the canal against the back of the bodies, and the supraspinous and interspinous ligaments along the tips and between spinous processes. Only the ligamentum flavum directly links the laminae themselves.