What it means
Strong, slightly stretchy bands that hold bones together and keep joints stable. A stretched or torn ligament is a sprain; the knee's anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) is a common one to tear. Ligaments have a poor blood supply, so they heal slowly. Tendons are different: they connect muscle to bone.
For the nurse
For a sprain, teach rest, ice, compression and elevation in the first days, and check circulation below a wrap.
Remember it
Ligaments link bone to bone.
At a glance
| Spanish | ligamento |
|---|---|
| Also written | ligaments |
Related terms
ten/o
A word part that means tendon, the tough cord that joins a muscle to a bone.
musculoskeletal
Having to do with the muscles, bones, joints, tendons and ligaments.
fracture
A break or crack in a bone.