What connects bones at a joint?

Ligaments are the connective tissues that play a crucial role in connecting bones at a joint. They are made of strong, fibrous tissue that provides stability and support to the joint by holding the bones together. This structural connection allows for the appropriate range of motion while preventing excessive movement that could lead to injuries or dislocation.

In contrast, muscle fibers are responsible for generating force and enabling movement by contracting, but they do not connect bones directly at a joint. Tendons, on the other hand, connect muscles to bones, allowing forces generated by muscles to be transmitted to the skeleton to produce movement. Cartilage serves as a cushioning material between bones at joints and helps reduce friction during movement, but it does not connect bones together; rather, it facilitates smooth interaction between the surfaces of the bones. Thus, ligaments are specifically designed for the purpose of connecting bones at joints, making them the correct answer.