Human ligaments classification: a new proposal
Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 1, 2026

Isolation and Characterization of the Murine Uterosacral Ligaments and Pelvic Floor Organs
Published on: March 3, 2023
1Department of Anatomy, Medical School, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Greece. g_paraskevas@yahoo.gr
Abstract:
A high concern exists among physicians about surgically important ligaments such as cruciate and collateral ligaments of the knee, patellar ligament, tibiofibular syndesmosis, collateral ligaments of the ankle, and coracoclavicular ligament. However, the classification of the ligaments is insufficient in the literature, due to their origin from connective tissue. A new classification is proposed, based on various parameters such as the macroscopic and microscopic features, the function and the nature of their attachment areas.
Related Concept Videos
Structural Classification of Joints
A fibrous joint is where the adjacent bones are united by fibrous connective...
Functional Classification of Joints
The functional classification of joints is determined by the amount of mobility between the adjacent bones. Joints are functionally classified as a synarthrosis or immobile joint, an amphiarthrosis or slightly moveable joint, or as a diarthrosis, a freely moveable joint. Fibrous and cartilaginous joints can be functionally classified as either synarthroses or amphiarthroses, whereas all synovial joints are classified as diarthroses.
Synarthrosis
An immobile...
Joints
Structural joint classifications are based on the material that makes up the joint as well as whether or not the joint contains a space between the bones. Joints are structurally classified as fibrous, cartilaginous, or synovial.
Fibrous Joints Are Immovable
The bones of a...
Classification of Bones
Long and Short Bones
The appendicular skeleton, particularly the upper and lower limbs, is primarily made of long and short bones. The long...
Classification of Connective Tissues
Connective Tissue Proper
Connective tissue proper is the most abundant class of connective tissues. As its name implies, it predominantly connects different tissues in the body. Depending on the cell types, ground substance, viscosity, and fiber types in the ECM, connective tissue proper is further categorized into loose and dense.
Classification of Skeletal Muscle Fibers
Slow-Twitch Muscle Fibers
Slow oxidative, muscle fibers appear red due to large numbers of capillaries and high levels of...
