ligament

(lig′ă-mĕnt )

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[L. ligamentum, a band]

1. A band or sheet of strong fibrous connective tissue connecting the articular ends of bones, binding them together to limit motion.
2. A thickened portion or fold of peritoneum or mesentery that supports a visceral organ or connects it to another viscus.
3. A band of fibrous connective tissue connecting bones, cartilages, and other structures and serving to support or attach fascia or muscles.
4. A cordlike structure representing the vestigial remains of a fetal blood vessel.

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