Ligaments are composed primarily of what type of tissue?

Ligaments are primarily composed of fibrous connective tissue, which is specifically designed to provide strength and flexibility. This type of tissue contains a high concentration of collagen fibers, which gives ligaments their ability to withstand tension and provide stability to joints. The arrangement of these fibers allows ligaments to connect bones to other bones, supporting the structure of the skeletal system while still allowing for a certain degree of movement.

In contrast, muscle tissue is primarily responsible for movement and contraction, while nervous tissue is involved in the transmission of signals throughout the body. Cartilaginous tissue is found in areas such as joints and provides cushioning, but it does not have the same structural role as ligaments in connecting bones. Therefore, the defining characteristic of ligaments is their composition of fibrous connective tissue, which is crucial for their function in the body.