In the jaw, this refers to paired ligaments that limit motion of the lower jaw within the confines of physiologic motion. Ligaments connect bone to bone and do not stretch, so when working collaterally they limit joint movement. One example of collateral ligaments is in the temporomandibular joint, where they assist in the hinging motion of the joint and prevent the head of the condyle from popping out of the joint.
Tough, fibrous tissues that provide lateral and medial stability to the knee, ankle, and elbow joints.
One of the ligaments that provide medial and lateral stability to joints. They include the medial (ulnar) and lateral (radial) collateral ligaments at the elbow, the medial (tibial) and lateral (fibular) collateral ligaments at the knee, the medial (deltoid) and lateral collateral ligaments at the ankle, and the collateral ligaments of the fingers.