Ligaments, Cartilage & Tendons (OCR GCSE Physical Education (PE)): Revision Note

Ligaments, cartilage & tendons

• Ligaments attach bone to bone 

  • they are short bands of tough and slightly elastic connective tissue 

  • they stabilise a joint and help prevent dislocation 

  • Their elasticity helps absorb shock 

    • An example of a group of ligaments is the cruciate ligaments which connect the femur and tibia to help stabilise the knee joint 

• Cartilage is a soft connective tissues which covers the ends of bones  

  • It cushions the joint and prevents friction and wear and tear between the bone ends 

• Tendons attach muscle to bones 

  • They are a very strong, inelastic connective tissue 

  • When a muscle contracts (shortens) it pulls on the tendon which pulls on the bone to create movement  

    • An example of a tendon is the Achilles tendon, which connects the gastrocnemius to the heel bone