In a sprain, which tissue is injured?

In a sprain, which tissue is injured?

• A. Muscles
• B. Joints
• C. Cartilage
• D. Ligaments

Answer: (D)

Sprains injure ligaments, the fibrous bands that stabilize joints by linking bones together. When a joint is forced beyond its normal range or twisted, those ligaments can stretch or tear, causing pain, swelling, and sometimes a sense of looseness in the joint. That’s why ligaments are the tissue involved in a sprain. Muscles and tendons are more associated with strains, which are injuries to muscle fibers or their tendons. Cartilage can be damaged in other joint injuries, but in a sprain the primary injured tissue is the ligament.

Sprains injure ligaments, the fibrous bands that stabilize joints by linking bones together. When a joint is forced beyond its normal range or twisted, those ligaments can stretch or tear, causing pain, swelling, and sometimes a sense of looseness in the joint. That’s why ligaments are the tissue involved in a sprain. Muscles and tendons are more associated with strains, which are injuries to muscle fibers or their tendons. Cartilage can be damaged in other joint injuries, but in a sprain the primary injured tissue is the ligament.