Introduction

The musculoskeletal system provides form, stability, and movement to the human body. It consists of the body's bones (which make up the skeleton), muscles, tendons, ligaments, joints, cartilage, and other connective tissue. The term "connective tissue" is used to describe the tissue that binds other tissues and organs together. Its chief components are elastic fibers and collagen, a protein substance. Connective tissue provides support to the various structures of the body--it holds organs in place and provides the underlying structure for all tissues.