What is a ligament?

• A. Flexible, inelastic cord of strong fibrous collagen tissue attaching a muscle to bone
• B. Tough fibrous band of tissue connecting the articular extremities of bones or supporting an organ in place
• C. A fatty pad found in joints
• D. A network of nerves around joints

Answer: (B)

Ligaments are tough fibrous bands of connective tissue that connect bones to other bones at joints or help keep an organ in its proper place. This description matches the statement about a sturdy band that links the ends of bones at joints or stabilizes structures. In contrast, tendons connect muscle to bone, acting as flexible cords to transmit muscle force. A fatty pad and a network of nerves around joints are different joint structures, not ligaments.