Bones are held together with __________; while muscles are held to bones with __________.

Bones are held together with ligaments, which are tough, elastic bands of connective tissue that connect one bone to another at a joint. This structure plays a crucial role in providing stability to the joints and maintaining the overall integrity of the skeletal system. Ligaments help to limit the movement of the bones at the joints, preventing excessive movement that could result in injury.

Muscles, on the other hand, are attached to bones through tendons. Tendons are strong, flexible cords composed of dense connective tissue that connect muscles to the bones they move. When a muscle contracts, the tendon pulls on the bone, resulting in movement at the joint. This connection is essential for the musculoskeletal system to function effectively, allowing for coordinated movement and support.

The relationship between ligaments and tendons is vital in understanding how the body maintains stability while allowing for movement. Ligaments hold bones together at joints to provide support, while tendons facilitate motion by connecting muscles to those bones.