Final answer:
The ligamentum flavum is a series of short ligaments, rich in elastic fibers, that connects the lamina regions of adjacent vertebrae, providing important support for the vertebral column.
Step-by-step explanation:
The ligamentum flavum is a series of short ligaments that unite the lamina of adjacent vertebrae. This ligament is situated posterior to the spinal cord within the vertebral canal and is known for its yellow color due to the large number of elastic fibers it contains. These features allow the ligamentum flavum to aid in the support and stabilization of the vertebral column during movement, especially when bending forward. It is not the large opening in the occipital bone (foramen magnum), a portion of the spinal cord (spinal canal), nor a groove or furrow in the cerebral tissue.