What role do ligaments play in the human body?

Ligaments serve a critical role in the human body by connecting bones to other bones at joints. This connection is essential for maintaining stability and integrity throughout the skeletal system, especially during movement. Ligaments are composed of dense connective tissue, which provides both strength and some flexibility, allowing joints to articulate while preventing excessive movement that could lead to injury.

The primary function of ligaments is to stabilize the joints by limiting the range of motion between the connected bones, ensuring that they work together effectively and reduce the risk of dislocation or sprains. For example, in the knee joint, ligaments such as the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) and posterior cruciate ligament (PCL) play a pivotal role in stabilizing the knee during activities like walking, running, and jumping.

Understanding the specific role of ligaments highlights their importance in overall joint health and mobility.