What are ligaments?

• A. bands of non-elastic soft tissue that holds two bones together and moves with the bones
• B. tissues that cushion joints
• C. cartilage at joints
• D. muscles that move bones

Answer: (A)

Ligaments are bands of tough connective tissue that connect bones to other bones at joints. Their job is to stabilize the joint and guide movement, and they move with the bones as the joint moves, keeping the bones properly aligned. This distinguishes them from cartilage, which cushions joint surfaces, and from muscles or tendons that generate movement. So the description that ligaments hold two bones together at a joint and move with the bones best captures their role.