Final answer:
Besides the joint capsule, the ligament of the head of the femur connects the thigh and hip bones, with surrounding muscular and connective tissue also providing stability. The articular cartilage in the hip joint is thickest at the superior aspect of the acetabulum.
Step-by-step explanation:
Aside from the joint capsule, the ligament of the head of the femur also holds the thigh (femur) and hip bones together in a chicken thigh and hip dissection.
The ligament is relatively weak and provides little support for the hip joint. However, it carries an important artery that supplies the head of the femur. In addition, surrounding muscles and other connective tissues like tendons and ligaments contribute to the stability and function of the hip joint.
The articular cartilage within the hip joint is thickest where the pressure is greatest, typically in the areas of most frequent contact such as the superior aspect of the acetabulum and the corresponding area of the femoral head.