A ligament is a soft tissue structure that connects what?

A ligament is specifically defined as a band of connective tissue that connects bone to bone at a joint. This connection plays a crucial role in stabilizing joints and restricting movements that could lead to injury. Ligaments are composed primarily of collagen fibers, giving them strength and the ability to withstand tension while allowing for a certain range of motion at the joint.

Understanding the role of ligaments in the musculoskeletal system highlights their importance in maintaining joint integrity. They differentiate from tendons, which connect muscle to bone, and other connective tissues, reinforcing the unique function that ligaments serve in connecting skeletal structures directly to each other, thus facilitating proper movement and overall biomechanical function.