The ligaments are elastic fabric bands which, in most cases, join the bones at the joints. They are key anatomical elements in joint movement by controlling the range of motion and stabilizing the joint by causing the bones to move in proper alignment. Some structures of the peritoneum, the membrane that surrounds the abdominal cavity, are also called ligaments, although their function is quite different.
The structure and composition of the ligaments
Ligaments are mainly made up of a protein substance called collagen. Collagen is distributed forming groups called fascicles which in turn join to form the so-called basic fibers, basic structure of the ligaments. These fibers are long, flexible and resistant. Collagen is also present in human skin and other warm-blooded animals, providing elasticity and is the main component of connective tissue of the whole body.
The high elasticity and resistance of the collagen fibers allows the joints to move without becoming too distended, preventing the bones from loosening. In order for the joint to remain within its normal range of movement, the length of the ligaments and their arrangement, generally crossing, come into play, which keeps the movement between the articulating bones within a certain limit.
The different types and their function
Connective tissue serves to protect organs, store energy, support body structures, and bind other tissues together. Most ligaments perform the latter function and also help maintain joint flexion or extension. These are the articular ligaments.
At the elbow, for example, are the radial collateral ligament, the ulnar collateral ligament, and the annular ligaments. Together they form a set that holds the bones and the gear of the joint together and allows their movement. Other examples of ligamentous joints are the wrist, pelvis, ankle, or knee. In all there is usually a minimum of three, there are eight ligaments in the knee.
Other ligaments, such as those found at the back of many joints, serve primarily to provide stability to the bone or cartilage to which it is attached. This reinforcing function of another structure is carried out by the so-called accessory ligaments. Some accessory ligaments, such as those of the TMJ (temporomandibular joint) are even relatively far from the joint.
There are other structures in the human body that are called ligaments, although they do not serve to join bones and joints. Among them we can find the fetal remnant ligamentssuch as the falciform ligament, a remnant of the fetal umbilical vein that holds the liver to the posterior wall of the abdomen.
In the abdomen we also find the peritoneal ligamentsfolds of the peritoneum, the membrane that covers most of the organs in the abdomen. The peritoneal ligaments surround important veins, such as the hepatic portal vein, offering protection and attaching or supporting organs in the abdomen and some parts of the female reproductive system.
Most common injuries and treatments
Undoubtedly the most common injury that affects the ligaments are the sprains. Sprains occur when the ligament is stretched, usually suddenly and unexpectedly, beyond its normal capacity. It is common for strains and tears of muscle fibers to occur at the same time.
Sprains are usually caused by sudden movements of some violence, but they can also be caused by performing improper body stretching techniques or in the wrong way. If the strain on the ligament is so severe that it tears or tears the ligament, the injury is more serious.
Because ligaments play an important role in stabilizing joints, they are quite susceptible to injury since they are in continuous use and pressure. Among athletes, ligament injuries are the most common, especially in the knees, elbows, shoulders and ankles. These joints are the most used when running, jumping or throwing.
To take a well-known example, the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) is located in the front of the knee and is a frequent target of injury in sports that require running or hard contact.
when they occur sprains or strains of ligaments often the joint involved becomes less flexible and becomes weakerwhich may have longer-term health implications.
The recovery of damaged ligaments is relatively slow compared to other tissues. One of the reasons is that the blood supply in the connective tissues is very low. As it takes so long to heal completely, it is very important that patients take special care not to perform movements that put excessive pressure on the damaged ligament for some time.
The treatment of sprains basically consists of rest and immobilization if required. If there is inflammation or pain it can be treated with analgesics oral or remedies such as cold application to decrease inflammation. Some injuries may require physical recovery therapy through gentle exercises. Ligament tears and ruptures almost always require surgical intervention.
The benefit of stretching exercises
perform exercises of daily stretching increases the length and flexibility of muscles and ligaments. This in turn strengthens the entire joint system while allowing the joints to move over a wider range each time and withstand more activity. This is why it is the best prevention of sprains and other joint injuries.
And if you practice stretching daily for a long time, you may be able to perform some movement with your body that previously seemed impossible to you. Some people are naturally extremely elastic, such as those with Marfan syndrome or joint hypermobility. These people are characterized by having ligaments that are longer and more flexible than normal, but also often more fragile.
Do not confuse ligaments and other collagen structures
In the body we can find several structures basically made of collagen and that can be confused, and in fact they are, frequently with each other. For example, tendons, which connect muscles to bone, and muscle fasciae, which join nerves, blood vessels, and muscle fibers. Ligaments join bone to bone and have quite a different function, even though they are all made of collagen.