National Academy of Sports Medicine (NASM) Group Fitness Instructor Practice Exam

The correct choice is ligaments, which are a type of connective tissue that connects bone to bone, providing stability and support to joints. Ligaments are composed of dense, fibrous connective tissue that has a high tensile strength, allowing them to resist forces that can cause dislocations or injuries at the joint. Their primary function is to maintain the integrity of the joint by limiting excessive movement and enabling proper alignment of the bones during various activities.

Understanding the role of ligaments in joint stability is vital for anyone involved in fitness and physical activity, as injuries to ligaments (such as sprains) can significantly impact performance and movement.

Tendons, on the other hand, connect muscles to bones and allow for the transmission of force, while cartilage serves as a cushioning material between bones and helps to reduce friction in joints. Fascia is a connective tissue that surrounds muscles, nerves, and blood vessels, providing support and separation but does not connect bone to bone.