Question

Strongest ligament of the human body is-
A. Ligamentum flavum
B. Iliofemoral ligament
C. Ligamentum nuchae
D. Ligamentum arteriosum

Answer 1

Hint: Ligaments connect bones together at the joint. They stabilize the joint, support the bones, and prevent the bones from grinding into each other. They are made up of fibrous collagen tissue. They have a limited amount of stretching ability and therefore protect joints from injury. There are 900 ligaments in the human body.

Complete step by step solution:
> Option A is a ligament flavum. They are a series of bands of elastic tissue that runs between the lamina from the axis to the sacrum. They connect the laminae and fuses with the facet joint capsules. These bands serve as a protective covering over the spinal canal.

> Option B is an iliofemoral ligament
The iliofemoral ligament attaches the anterior inferior iliac spine (AIIS) to the intertrochanteric crest of the femur. It has a tensile strength of 350 Newtons (78.68 lb-force). It is known as the strongest ligament of the human body. Therefore, it prevents excessive extension and plays a significant role in stabilizing and maintaining upright posture at the hip. It is positioned in a way that it limits anterior translation.

> Option C is ligamentum nuchae.
The ligamentum nuchae is a large median ligament but it is not the strongest. It is composed of tendons and fascia. They are located between the posterior muscles of the neck and cover the spines of C1 to C6 vertebrae. It also covers the superior and posterior extension of the supraspinous ligament.

> Option D The ligamentum arteriosum is a small ligament and with very little strength. It is the remnant of the ductus arteriosus which is formed within three weeks after birth. At the superior end of the ligament attaches to the aorta.

So, the answer to the strongest ligament in the human body is option-B i.e, iliofemoral ligament.

Note: Ligament has a strong connective tissue that protects the surrounding structures and prevents them from bending, twisting, or tearing. Regardless of what they connect - bones or organs, they help to maintain stability in the body. Strong ligament- iliofemoral ligament protects the spine to a great extent.