Ligaments and tendons are really important parts of our body that help us move and stay stable. For Year 7 students learning about how our body systems work, it’s key to understand what these two types of connective tissues do.
Ligaments: These are strong, tough bands that connect bones to other bones at our joints. They help keep our joints steady and stop them from moving too much to avoid injuries.
Tendons: These are strong, stretchy bands that connect our muscles to our bones. They help transfer the power from our muscles to our bones, allowing us to move.
Providing Stability
Allowing Movement
What They’re Made Of: Both ligaments and tendons are mainly made of collagen fibers, which give them strength.
Blood Flow: Tendons get less blood flow, which is why they heal slowly after being injured. It can take about 6 to 12 weeks for a tendon to heal. Ligaments can take even longer, sometimes up to 12 months.
In Joints: Ligaments help control how much a joint can move. For example, the ligaments in the shoulder keep the main bone steady while still allowing us to move our arm freely.
Muscle Action: Tendons help convert the force from muscle movements into action. This is what lets us lift things, throw objects, and jump. About 30% of our muscle mass includes tendon tissue, showing just how important they are for our movements.
In short, ligaments and tendons are essential for how we move. Ligaments help stabilize our joints to avoid injuries, while tendons let our muscles create strong movements. Learning about these tissues can help Year 7 students understand how their bodies function and the importance of keeping these parts healthy to prevent injuries and stay active throughout life.
Ligaments and tendons are really important parts of our body that help us move and stay stable. For Year 7 students learning about how our body systems work, it’s key to understand what these two types of connective tissues do.
Ligaments: These are strong, tough bands that connect bones to other bones at our joints. They help keep our joints steady and stop them from moving too much to avoid injuries.
Tendons: These are strong, stretchy bands that connect our muscles to our bones. They help transfer the power from our muscles to our bones, allowing us to move.
Providing Stability
Allowing Movement
What They’re Made Of: Both ligaments and tendons are mainly made of collagen fibers, which give them strength.
Blood Flow: Tendons get less blood flow, which is why they heal slowly after being injured. It can take about 6 to 12 weeks for a tendon to heal. Ligaments can take even longer, sometimes up to 12 months.
In Joints: Ligaments help control how much a joint can move. For example, the ligaments in the shoulder keep the main bone steady while still allowing us to move our arm freely.
Muscle Action: Tendons help convert the force from muscle movements into action. This is what lets us lift things, throw objects, and jump. About 30% of our muscle mass includes tendon tissue, showing just how important they are for our movements.
In short, ligaments and tendons are essential for how we move. Ligaments help stabilize our joints to avoid injuries, while tendons let our muscles create strong movements. Learning about these tissues can help Year 7 students understand how their bodies function and the importance of keeping these parts healthy to prevent injuries and stay active throughout life.