Chapter 32, Problem 15A

Summary Introduction

To write:

Difference between tendons and ligaments.

Introduction:

A point where two or more bones meet is known as joints. Joints are classified into five types on the basis of the structure and the movement they allow. The five types of joints are ball and socket, pivot, hinge, gliding and sutures.

Explanation of Solution

Tendons: tendons are also known as sinew. It is a fibrous connective tissue that connects bone to muscle. They are capable of tolerating extreme tension. Tendons are made up of collagen. Tendons contain fibroblasts known as tenocytes. These tenocytes synthesize the extracellular matrix in tendons. Tendons possess both elastic and viscous nature.

Ligaments: ligaments are also known as articular larua. It is a fibrous connective tissue that connects bones to bones. Ligaments are made up of collagenous fibers. Ligaments can return to their original shape after the tension is removed, but when the tension crosses a point or stays for a long period, then it becomes tough for ligaments to retain its shape.

Conclusion

Tendons and ligaments both are fibrous connective tissue. The only difference between them is that ligaments join bone to other bones and tendons join bones to muscle.