OCR General Certificate of Secondary Education (GCSE) Biology Practice Exam

What do ligaments do?

1. Connect muscles to bones

2. Hold bones to each other

3. Support cartilage in joints

4. Produce red blood cells

The correct answer is: Hold bones to each other

Ligaments play a crucial role in the skeletal system by holding bones together at joints. They are strong, flexible bands of connective tissue that provide stability to joints while allowing for a certain range of movement. This function is essential for maintaining the integrity of the skeletal structure, as ligaments prevent dislocation and ensure that bones stay aligned during movement. While other structures in the body have specific functions—such as tendons connecting muscles to bones, cartilage providing cushioning and support in joints, and bone marrow being responsible for the production of red blood cells—ligaments are uniquely specialized to connect bones to one another. This differentiates their role within the musculoskeletal system and highlights their importance in facilitating movement and ensuring joint stability.