How are joints formed in the body?

Joints are structures that serve as connections between bones, and they are formed primarily by holding the bones together with ligaments. Ligaments are strong, fibrous tissues that connect one bone to another, stabilizing the joint and allowing for both flexibility and movement. They play a crucial role in maintaining the integrity of the joint under various types of stress during motion.

While cartilage surrounding joints serves important functions, such as cushioning and facilitating smooth movement between the bones, it does not play a role in forming the joint itself. Tendons, on the other hand, connect muscles to bones and are not involved in the formation of joints either. Thus, the correct understanding of how joints are formed firmly points to the role of ligaments in this structural connection between bones.