Which ligament limits flexion?

Which ligament limits flexion?

• A. Dorsal longitudinal ligament
• B. Interspinous ligament
• C. Ventral longitudinal ligament
• D. Ligamentum flavum

Answer: (D)

When the spine flexes (bends forward), the ligaments on the back side are put under tension. The ligamentum flavum, located between the laminae of adjacent vertebrae, is highly elastic. As you bend forward, it stretches and resists further flexion; its elastic recoil also helps the spine return to its neutral posture after the bend. This elastic, spring-like quality makes it the primary structure that limits forward bending. Other ligaments contribute to stability in different ways—for example, the ventral longitudinal ligament runs along the front of the vertebral bodies and mainly helps limit extension, while interspinous ligaments also check flexion to some degree but do not provide as strong an elastic resistance as the flavum.

When the spine flexes (bends forward), the ligaments on the back side are put under tension. The ligamentum flavum, located between the laminae of adjacent vertebrae, is highly elastic. As you bend forward, it stretches and resists further flexion; its elastic recoil also helps the spine return to its neutral posture after the bend. This elastic, spring-like quality makes it the primary structure that limits forward bending.

Other ligaments contribute to stability in different ways—for example, the ventral longitudinal ligament runs along the front of the vertebral bodies and mainly helps limit extension, while interspinous ligaments also check flexion to some degree but do not provide as strong an elastic resistance as the flavum.