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SystemMusculoskeletal system
FunctionConnect bones to other bones; maintain position of organs
LatinLigamentum (Plural: Ligamenta)
Anatomical terminology

A ligament is the fibrous connect tissue that connects bones to other bones. It is also known as articular ligament, articular larua,[1] fibrous ligament, or true ligament. Other ligaments in the body include the:



Articular ligaments[edit]

Articular ligament.


Capsular ligaments are part of the articular capsule that surrounds synovial joints. They act as mechanical reinforcements. Extra-capsular ligaments join together in harmony with the other ligaments and provide joint stability. Intra-capsular ligaments, which are much less common,[citation needed] also provide stability but permit a far larger range of motion. Cruciate ligaments are paired ligaments in the form of a cross.[2]

Ligaments are viscoelastic. They gradually strain when under tension and return to their original shape when the tension is removed. However, they cannot retain their original shape when extended past a certain point or for a prolonged period of time.[3] This is one reason why dislocated joints must be set as quickly as possible: if the ligaments lengthen too much, then the joint will be weakened, becoming prone to future dislocations. Athletes, gymnasts, dancers, and martial artists perform stretching exercises to lengthen their ligaments, making their joints more supple.



Artificial ligaments[edit]



Peritoneal ligaments[edit]


Fetal remnant ligaments[edit]

Certain tubular structures from the fetal period are referred to as ligaments after they close up and turn into cord-like structures:[citation needed]

Fetal Adult
ductus arteriosus ligamentum arteriosum

See also[edit]


  1. ^ "ligament" at Dorland's Medical Dictionary
  3. ^ R.A., Hauser; E.E., Dolan; H.J., Phillips; A.C., Newlin; R.E., Moore; B.A., Woldin (2013-01-23). "Ligament Injury and Healing: A Review of Current Clinical Diagnostics and Therapeutics". The Open Rehabilitation Journal. 6 (1): 5.
  4. ^ Lessim S, Migonney V, Thoreux P, Lutomski D, Changotade S. (June 2013). "PolyNaSS bioactivation of LARS artificial ligament promotes human ligament fibroblast colonisation in vitro". Biomed Mater Eng. 23 (4): 289–297. doi:10.3233/BME-130753. PMID 23798650.CS1 maint: uses authors parameter (link)