What type of tissue is primarily made up of ligaments?

Ligaments are primarily composed of dense connective tissue, which is characterized by a high concentration of collagen fibers that provide strength and resilience. This specific type of connective tissue is designed to withstand tensile forces, which is crucial for the function of ligaments in connecting bones at joints, providing stability and support during movement. The dense arrangement of collagen fibers also allows ligaments to be both strong and somewhat flexible, enabling them to secure joints while still allowing for a limited range of motion.

In contrast, other types of tissues listed, such as epithelial tissue, are involved in protective and absorptive functions and do not have the structural properties needed for ligaments. Loose connective tissue is more flexible and less fibrous, primarily serving as a supportive framework for organs and tissues but not suitable for the specific requirements of ligaments. Muscle tissue is responsible for contraction and movement, unrelated to the supportive roles that ligaments play in the skeletal system.