ligamenta flava


lig·a·men·ta fla·'va

[TA] paired ligaments of yellow elastic fibrous tissue, which bind together the laminae of adjoining vertebrae, forming the posterior wall of the vertebral canal between the vertebra or laminae; penetration of the ligamentum flavum with a trocar during epidural or spinal puncture produces a distinct feel ("pop"), letting the practitioner know that the tip of the trocar has entered the epidural space. Synonym(s): yellow ligament