ligament /lig″əmənt/ [L, ligare, to bind] , 1. one of many predominantly white, shiny, flexible bands of fibrous tissue binding joints together and connecting the articular bones and cartilages to facilitate movement. Such ligaments are slightly elastic and composed of parallel collagenous bundles. When part of the synovial membrane of a joint, they are covered with fibroelastic tissue that blends with surrounding connective tissue. Yellow elastic ligaments such as the ligamenta flava connect certain parts of adjoining vertebrae. Compare tendon. 2. a layer of serous membrane with little or no tensile strength, extending from one visceral organ to another, such as the ligaments of the peritoneum. See also broad ligament. −ligamentous, adj.
