Ligament

Ligament

A ligament is a fibrous connective tissue that connects bones to other bones. It is also known as articular ligament, articular larua, fibrous ligament, or true ligament. Ligaments are similar to tendons and fasciae as they are all made of connective tissue. The differences in them are in the connections that they make: ligaments connect one bone to another bone, tendons connect muscle to bone, and fasciae connect muscles to other muscles.

Structure

Ligaments are composed of dense fibrous tissue made up of both white and yellow fibrous tissue. The white fibrous tissues are rich in collagen fibers, which provide the ligament with its strength and rigidity. The yellow fibrous tissues are rich in elastin fibers, which provide the ligament with its elasticity.

Function

The primary function of ligaments is to prevent movement that might damage a joint. They prevent certain movements altogether, and limit the range of movement in others. The specific movements prevented depends on the specific ligament. For example, the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) prevents the tibia from moving too far forward, and also prevents the knee joint from rotating too much.

Clinical significance

Damage to ligaments can occur from a variety of causes, most commonly from injuries that involve a sudden impact to the joint. This can occur in various sports, or from falls, or from direct blows to the body. Ligament injuries are commonly referred to as sprains.

See also

• Tendon
• Fascia
• Joint
• Sprain