How do ligaments contribute to joint stability?

• A. Ligaments attach muscles to bones.
• B. Ligaments fill joint spaces with cartilage.
• C. Ligaments connect bones and limit excessive movement, preventing dislocations and supporting joint integrity.
• D. Ligaments convert bone to fibrous tissue.

Answer: (C)

Ligaments act as the joint’s passive stabilizers. They are tough bands of fibrous connective tissue that connect bones across a joint and limit movements that could harm the joint, helping keep the ends of the bones properly aligned and preventing dislocations. This stabilizing role is what maintains joint integrity during everyday activities and more strenuous motions.

Think about what each structure does: tendons attach muscles to bones and primarily produce movement, not stabilization. Articular cartilage lines the joint surfaces to reduce friction and absorb shock, not to restrain how far bones can move. And ligaments aren’t converting bone into fibrous tissue; they themselves are the fibrous tissue that holds bones together across joints.