Ligament - definition, function, injury and treatment
Ligament is a cordlike structure of tough connective tissue that binds bones together at joints. Ligaments are vulnerable to injury from stretching, which can cause them to tear. Such a ligament injury is a sprain. Most sprains heal with conservative treatment, though some (notably complete tears) require surgery to repair them. Ligaments may also join or support organs and structures other than bone, such as the round ligaments in the pelvis that suspend the UTERUS within the abdominal cavity.
See also BONE; JOINT; MUSCLE; SPRAINS AND STRAINS; TENDON.
