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.
Search within the encyclopedia