"Ligaments are ultimately formed from numerous ligamental fibrils. The fibrils combine to form fibres, which in turn form fascicles that combine to form a ligament 1. Many ligaments are covered by an epiligament which is a vascular covering that blends into the ligament at their bony attachments known as insertions 2."
"Histologically, ligaments and tendons share similar structures and extracellular matrices with only small cellular differences 1. The main resident cells in ligaments are a type of fibroblast called "ligamentocytes" 1,2."
Expected headings
"Function"
"Histologically, ligaments and tendons share similar structures and extracellular matrices with only small cellular differences 1. The main resident cells in ligaments are a type of fibroblast called "ligamentocytes" 1,2."
"The extracellular matrix of ligaments is based around ground substances, including proteoglycans, glycosaminoglycans (GAGs) and glycoproteins, which are hydrophilic, meaning that the water content of ligaments is high. This hydration is important, permitting better flexibility when under compression and aiding structural integrity, stability and optimal collagenous maintenance 1."