Ligaments:
OLigaments are
stretchy bands of tissue that, in most cases, hold one bone to another. They
are a key part of what allows most joints to move, help control their range of
motion, and stabilize them so that the bones move in proper alignment. Some parts
of the peritoneum, the membrane that surrounds the abdominal cavity, are also
called ligaments although they perform a different function.
OStructure
OProteins
known as collagen make up the tissue in most ligaments. Groups of these
proteins form long, flexible, thread-like strands, or fibers.
OThe
composition of these fibers allows them to stretch
significantly when they move, such as when the elbow is bent or straightened.
Collagen fibers are often arranged in crossing patterns, which helps prevent
the joint from moving past its normal range of motion despite the ligament's
flexibility.
TENDONS
A tendon is a tough
yet flexible band of fibrous tissue. The tendon is the structure in your body
that connects a muscle to a bone
.
Difference between Tendons and Ligaments:
OTendons
connect muscle to bone. These tough yet flexible bands of fibrous tissue attach
the skeletal muscles to the bones they move. Essentially, tendons enable you to
move; think of them as intermediaries between muscles and bones. You've most
likely heard of the Achilles tendon (named after the Greek demigod hero with
the fatal weakness in his eponymous tendon), which connects the muscles of the
calf to the heel bone. This tendon is vulnerable to tearing and tendonitis, so
do take care and stretch the calf muscle to keep the tendon flexible too.
OThough
similar to tendons, ligaments connect bone to bone and help to stabilize joints
they surround. They are composed mostly of long, stringy collagen fibers that
create bands of tough, fibrous connective tissue. Ligaments are slightly
elastic, so they can be stretched and gradually lengthen, increasing
flexibility. But if stretched beyond a certain point, ligaments can become
overstretched and compromise the integrity of the joint they are supposed to be
stabilizing — so stretch with caution. The term double-jointed actually
refers to people who have highly elastic ligaments, which allow them to move
their joints into more extreme positions than most people. While no ligament
plays a major role in Greek myths, the ligaments found in the knee, especially
the ACL (anterior cruciate ligament), are often talked about on the sports
page, since they are prone to tearing, sidelining quarterbacks, soccer stars,
and skiers alike.
ANSWER THE FOLLOWING EXERCISE:
Common Names
1. funny bone
_____
2. knee cap_____
3. collar bone
_____
4. hip bone
_____
5. thigh bone
_____
6. jaw bone
_____
7. ankle bones
_____
8. heel bone
_____
9. wrist bones
_____
10. cheek bone
_____
11. shoulder blade
_____
12. breast bone
_____
13. shin bone
_____
14. tail bone
_____
Latin Based Names
A. calcaneous
B. carpals
C. clavicle
D. coxal
E. coccyx
F. femur
G. mandible
H. medial malleolus
of the tibia or lateral malleolus
of the fibula
I. olecranon process
of the ulna
J. patella
K. scapula
L. sternum
M. tibia
N. zygomatic
