ACE Personal Trainer Practice Exam

What is the primary function of ligaments in the body?

1. Connecting muscles to bones

2. Providing cushioning between joints

3. Connecting two bones to maintain stability

4. Stabilizing joints through muscle contraction

The correct answer is: Connecting two bones to maintain stability

Ligaments play a crucial role in the body by connecting two bones, which helps to maintain stability at joints. This connection is vital for joint function, as ligaments provide support and limit excessive movement that could lead to injuries such as dislocations or sprains. By holding bones together, ligaments help preserve the integrity of the joint structure during physical activities, ensuring that movements are controlled and that the joints are adequately stabilized. The other options highlight functions that are not performed by ligaments. While connecting muscles to bones pertains to tendons, providing cushioning between joints relates to the function of cartilage, and stabilizing joints through muscle contraction refers to the role of muscles themselves, particularly in dynamic stabilization. Therefore, the primary and specific role of ligaments is indeed to connect bones and support joint stability.