The Latin word ligamentum came to our language as ligament . According to the first meaning mentioned by the Royal Spanish Academy (RAE ) in your dictionary, it's about act and the result of linking or linking : merge, adhere, join.
The most common use of ligament, however, specifically refers to a anatomical piece . The ligaments are portions of fibrous connective tissue that allow the union of joints and the bones .
Of great strength and elasticity, a ligament has a composition similar to a tendon . These bands make the bone move, but not excessively. This prevents dislocations and other injuries from forced displacement.
The ligaments, in short, have the function of stabilize and join anatomical structures . While the tendons are responsible for connecting the bones with the muscles , the ligaments link to bones that are adjacent to each other. What they do is facilitate the movements that are natural to the anatomy and restrict those that, on the other hand, are abnormal and would cause damage.
In the area of the knee For example, we can find four main ligaments that connect the femur, tibia and patella. They are the Anterior cruciate ligament , he posterior cruciate ligament , he external lateral ligament and the internal lateral ligament .
Usually the ligaments are classified as cords or acintados . Cord or cord ligaments go from one bone to another, while the tapered ligaments do not lose contact with the structures .
Beyond the joints, each ligament is also called membranous fold which allows to maintain a organ in its proper position.
