What is the function of ligaments in the body?

Ligaments play a crucial role in the musculoskeletal system by connecting bone to bone. This connection is essential for stabilizing joints and ensuring that bones remain securely aligned during movement. Ligaments are made of dense connective tissue that provides both strength and a certain degree of flexibility, allowing joints to move while also maintaining their integrity and preventing excessive movement that could lead to injury.

The primary function of ligaments is to limit the range of motion at joints to prevent dislocations and other injuries, while also contributing to the overall stability of the skeletal structure. For instance, in the knee joint, ligaments such as the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) help stabilize the joint by connecting the femur to the tibia.

Other options address different components of the body. Absorbing shock in joints is primarily the role of cartilage. Connecting muscles to bones is the function of tendons. Providing flexible support in the spine is generally associated with intervertebral discs and ligaments specific to spinal structures. While all these components contribute to the body’s function, the specific role of ligaments is to connect bone to bone.