Ligaments

Ligaments are the fibrous connective tissue that connects bones to other bones. They are similar to tendons and fasciae as they are all made of collagen. Ligaments are viscoelastic. They gradually lengthen when under tension, and return to their original shape when the tension is removed. However, they cannot retain their original shape when overly stretched, or if they are under tension for a long period of time.

Structure

Ligaments are composed of dense fibrous bundles of collagenous fibers and spindle-shaped fibroblasts.

Microanatomy

The ligaments are made up of both white and yellow elastic tissue. Often, the white fibrous tissue is present in layers parallel to the direction of the ligament fibers. The yellow elastic tissue is most often found in the longitudinal ligaments of the spine.

Function

Ligaments serve to hold the bones in a joint together. They also help to prevent injuries by limiting the amount of movement in a joint.

Clinical significance

Injury to a ligament can occur when its fibers are stretched beyond their physiological limit, and is generally referred to as a sprain. Notably, the torn ligament does not usually heal itself if it is completely torn, but ligaments can heal if the tear is incomplete.

See also

• Joint
• Tendon
• Fasciae
• Sprain

References

Ligaments Resources
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