Final answer:
The “spring” ligament is the plantar calcaneonavicular ligament, which is crucial for maintaining the foot's arch and supporting the head of the talus bone. Ligaments like this contain elastin, allowing them to stretch and resume shape, but overstretching can cause a sprain.
Step-by-step explanation:
The ligament commonly referred to as the “spring” ligament is the plantar calcaneonavicular ligament. Ligaments are made up of fibrous connective tissue that connects bones, providing stability to joints. The spring ligament plays a crucial role in maintaining the arch of the foot and supporting the head of the talus bone.
Ligaments are composed of collagen and elastin, which allow for a certain degree of stretching and provide the ability to return to their original shape. This elasticity is especially important in the spring ligament due to the stress it endures in supporting the foot’s arch during weight-bearing activities. When ligaments, such as the spring ligament, are stretched beyond their capacity, the result can be a sprain, often leading to swelling, pain, and limited mobility.