What is a ligament?
Q: What is a ligament?
A: A ligament is a band of tough fibrous connective tissue made of long, stringy collagen fibres that joins bones to other bones or cartilages.
Q: What is the function of ligaments in a joint?
A: Ligaments join bones to other bones to form a joint and limit the amount of movement in a joint, or stop certain movements altogether.
Q: Do ligaments connect muscles to bones?
A: No, ligaments do not connect muscles to bones; that is the function of tendons.
Q: Are ligaments elastic?
A: Ligaments are only slightly elastic; when under tension, they gradually lengthen.
Q: Why should dislocated joints be set as quickly as possible?
A: Dislocated joints should be set as quickly as possible because if the ligaments lengthen too much, then the joint will be weakened.
Q: What is the purpose of stretching exercises for athletes, gymnasts, dancers, and martial artists?
A: The purpose of stretching exercises for these individuals is to lengthen their ligaments, making their joints more supple.
Q: What is the result of a broken ligament?
A: The result of a broken ligament can be instability of the joint. Not all broken ligaments need surgery, but if surgery is needed to stabilise the joint, the broken ligament can be joined.
