Which connective tissue helps stabilize joints by connecting bones?

Which connective tissue helps stabilize joints by connecting bones?

• A. Ligament
• B. Tendon
• C. Cartilage
• D. Fascia

Answer: (A)

Ligaments are bands of dense connective tissue that connect one bone to another, providing stability to joints and guiding their movement. Their collagen-rich structure gives them high tensile strength to resist forces that would pull bones apart, helping prevent dislocations and excessive joint motion. Tendons, by contrast, connect muscle to bone and primarily transmit the force of muscular contraction, not stabilize joints. Cartilage covers articular surfaces to cushion and reduce friction between bones, but it doesn’t tie bones together. Fascia surrounds and organizes muscles and other structures, offering support and compartments rather than directly linking bones at joints.

Ligaments are bands of dense connective tissue that connect one bone to another, providing stability to joints and guiding their movement. Their collagen-rich structure gives them high tensile strength to resist forces that would pull bones apart, helping prevent dislocations and excessive joint motion. Tendons, by contrast, connect muscle to bone and primarily transmit the force of muscular contraction, not stabilize joints. Cartilage covers articular surfaces to cushion and reduce friction between bones, but it doesn’t tie bones together. Fascia surrounds and organizes muscles and other structures, offering support and compartments rather than directly linking bones at joints.