Tendons vs. Ligaments: Key Differences & Injuries

Tendons and ligaments are both fibrous connective tissues. They have no blood vessels, so they are very slow to heal if they are injured. Their differences center on where they are attached.

Tendons

• Tendons connect muscles to bones. They can also attach muscles to structures, like the eyeball.

Ligaments

• Ligaments connect bones to bones. They help to stabilize joints and hold bones in place.

Sprains

• A sprain is a stretched or torn ligament. Common locations are the ankle and knee.

Strains

• A strain is a stretched or torn muscle or tendon, often called a "pulled muscle." A common strained tendon is the hamstring.

Fun Fact

• If the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) that runs near the knee is torn, it is often grafted with a tendon, the hamstring, which is on the back of the leg.