Final answer:
Ligaments and tendons are composed of collagen, a protein that provides strength and flexibility to these connective tissues. Ligaments additionally contain elastin, contributing to the resilience required for joint stability and movement.
Step-by-step explanation:
Ligaments and tendons are primarily composed of collagen, which is the most abundant protein in animals. Ligaments connect bones to each other and are essential components of the skeletal system, containing both collagen and a protein called elastin. This composition makes ligaments both strong and flexible, able to withstand the stress of joint movements.
The primary function of ligaments is to connect bones together and provide stability to joints. Due to their role, ligaments are made of tough protein fibers that can handle significant amounts of stress. When a ligament is overstretched or torn, it results in what is commonly known as a sprain. Tendons, on the other hand, connect muscles to bones and assist in transmitting the force of muscle contractions, and they are also rich in collagen fibers.
Both structures benefit from the resilient properties of collagen, which forms a fibrous connective tissue with strands lined up in parallel, providing tensile strength. The presence of elastin in ligaments also adds a necessary degree of flexibility. Together, these proteins maintain the integrity of our musculoskeletal system during various activities.