What is the Difference Between Tendons and Ligaments?

Tendons and Ligaments

Tendons and ligaments are composed of connective tissues. They both are important for proper body movement and stability. However, they both are associated with body movement still they both are very much different from each other.

Video Lesson on what is the difference between tendons and ligaments

Tendons

A tendon is a fibrous connective tissue that attaches muscle to bone. They help in the movement of bones. As they are working as a connector between bones and muscles, contraction and relaxation of muscles are transferred to bones which results in the movement of bones.

Tendons are rich in collagen fibers arranged parallel to each other in form of bundles. They also contain proteoglycan which is important for the resistance of compressive stress. They are non-elastic, tough, and resistant to tearing.

They have blood vessels to provide them with nutrients. However, little blood is supplied to them as they are not very actively growing. Little blood supply makes them appear white.

Any injury to the tendon injuries is classified as strain and has healing times of up to 12 weeks.

Ligaments

A ligament is a fibrous connective tissue that attaches bone to bone. They help in the stability and holding of bones together. They are very elastic, strong, and resistant to damage.

Ligaments are one-third water and also contain collagen and elastin fibers. They contain a higher content of proteoglycans compared to tendons. They have blood supply through a few blood vessels.

Ligaments appear yellow due to the presence of elastin fibers. They are classified into three types namely articular ligaments, remnant ligaments, and peritoneal ligaments.

When under tension, they gradually strain, but when the tension is released, they regain their previous shape. However, when stretched past a particular point or for a long time, they lose their ability to maintain their original shape.

Difference between Tendons and Ligaments. Figure created in BioRender.com

What is the difference between tendons and ligaments

The main difference between tendons and ligaments are compiled in the table below.

Tendons	Ligaments
Connective tissue that attaches muscles to bone.	Connective tissue that attaches bone to bone.
They are non-elastic and tough	They are elastic and strong
Help in the movement of bones	They help in stability and holding of bones together
Each muscle contains one tendon	Each joint contains many ligaments
White in color due to less blood supply	Yellow in color due to the presence of elastin fibers
Contain collagen fibers	Contain collagen and elastin fibers
The fibers are present in parallel bundles	The fibers are not present in parallel bundles
No classification	They are classified into three types, namely: Articular ligaments, Remnant ligaments, and Peritoneal ligaments
Less proteoglycan content	More proteoglycan content

Download the diagram of difference bwteen tendons and ligaments below.

Some Questions and Answers

1. Is a ligament a muscle?

A. Ligaments are not a muscle but fibrous connective tissue which connects two bones.

2. What are the 2 differences between ligaments and tendons?

A. Ligament attaches bone to bone and helps in holding bones together. Tendon attaches muscles to bone and in the movement of bones.

3. Are tendons white in color?

A. Yes, little blood supply to tendons makes them appear white.