Anatomy and Physiology CFE Practice Exam

In joints, the tissue that physically links one bone to another is a ligament. Ligaments are dense regular connective tissue with strong collagen fibers arranged to resist the forces that pull the bones apart, providing stability and guiding movement. For example, knee ligaments like the ACL and PCL hold the femur and tibia together during motion.

Tendons, by contrast, attach muscles to bone to transmit the force of contraction for movement, not to connect bone to bone. Cartilage covers joint surfaces to cushion and reduce friction but doesn’t connect two bones; it sits between them. Fascia surrounds muscles and other structures, not forming direct bone-to-bone links.