Ligament Information
In anatomy, the term ligament is used to denote any of three types of structures.[1] Most commonly, it refers to fibrous tissue that connects bones to other bones and is also known as articular ligament, articular larua,[2] fibrous ligament, or true ligament.
Ligament can also refer to:
- Peritoneal ligament: a fold of peritoneum or other membranes.
- Fetal remnant ligament: the remnants of a tubular structure from the fetal period of life.
The study of ligaments is known as desmology (from Greek δεσμός, desmos, "string"; and -λογία, -logia).
Articular ligaments
"Ligament" most commonly refers to a band of tough, fibrous dense regular connective tissue comprising attenuated collagenous fibers. Ligaments connect bones to other bones to form a joint. They do not connect muscles to bones; that is the job of tendons. Some ligaments limit the mobility of articulations, or prevent certain movements altogether.
Capsular ligaments are part of the articular capsule that surrounds synovial joints. They act as mechanical reinforcements. Extra-capsular ligaments join together and provide joint stability. Intra-capsular ligaments, which are much less common, Athletes, gymnasts, dancers, and martial artists perform stretching exercises to lengthen their ligaments, making their joints more supple.
The term "double-jointed" refers to people with more-elastic ligaments, allowing their joints to stretch and contort further. The medical term for describing such double-jointed persons is hyperlaxity.
The consequence of a broken ligament can be instability of the joint. Not all broken ligaments need surgery, but, if surgery is needed to stabilise the joint, the broken ligament can be repaired. Scar tissue may prevent this. If it is not possible to fix the broken ligament, other procedures such as the Brunelli procedure can correct the instability. Instability of a joint can over time lead to wear of the cartilage and eventually to osteoarthritis.
Examples
- Head and neck
- Thorax
- Pelvis
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- Wrist
- Knee
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Peritoneal ligaments
Certain folds of peritoneum are referred to as ligaments. Examples include:
Fetal remnant ligaments
Certain tubular structures from the fetal period are referred to as ligaments after they close up and turn into cord-like structures:
See also
References
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This article needs additional citations for verification. Please help improve this article by adding citations to reliable sources. Unsourced material may be and removed. (October 2010) |
- ^ ligament at eMedicine Dictionary
- ^ "ligament" at Dorland's Medical Dictionary
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Joints (TA A03.0, TH H3.02, GA 3.284) |
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| Types |
fibrous: Gomphosis · Suture · Syndesmosis · Interosseous membrane
cartilaginous: Synchondrosis · Symphysis
synovial: Plane joint · 1° (Hinge joint, Pivot joint) · 2° (Condyloid joint, Saddle joint) · 3° (Ball and socket joint)
synostosis
by range of motion: Synarthrosis · Amphiarthrosis · Diarthrosis
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| Terminology |
Kinesiology · Anatomical terms of motion · Agonist/Antagonist
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| Motions |
general: Flexion/Extension · Adduction/Abduction · Internal rotation/External rotation · Elevation/Depression
specialized/upper limbs: Protraction/Retraction · Supination/Pronation
specialized/lower limbs: Plantarflexion/Dorsiflexion · Eversion/Inversion
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| Components |
capsular: Articular capsule (Synovial membrane, Fibrous membrane) · Synovial fluid · Synovial bursa · Articular disk/Meniscus
extracapsular: Ligament · Enthesis
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: JNT
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Joints and ligaments of lower limbs (TA A03.6, GA 3.333) |
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| Coxal/hip |
femoral (iliofemoral, pubofemoral, ischiofemoral) · head of femur · transverse acetabular · acetabular labrum · capsule · zona orbicularis
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| Knee-joint |
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| Tibiofibular |
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| Joints of foot |
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Histology: connective tissue (TH H2.00.03) |
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| Composition |
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Soft tissue
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see also
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: INT, SF, LCT
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: MUS, DF+DRCT
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Categories: Soft tissue | Skeletal system | Ligaments
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