What structures are ligaments responsible for connecting?

Ligaments are connective tissues specifically responsible for connecting bone to bone or cartilage. This is crucial within joints, where ligaments help stabilize the joint and maintain proper alignment between the bones. They play a significant role in supporting the joints during movement and aiding in preventing dislocation.

While muscles are connected to each other by tendons, which is a different functional structure, ligaments don’t serve that purpose. Similarly, the spinal column is supported by a combination of ligaments, muscles, and other tissues, but ligaments primarily connect bones rather than attaching to muscles or skin. This understanding highlights the specific role ligaments play in the body's structural integrity.