a ligament that serves to support or suspend an organ in position. For example, the suspensory ligament of the lens is a fibrous structure attached to the ciliary processes (see ciliary body) by means of which the lens of the eye is held in position.
Two strong ligaments in the interior of the knee-joint, which cross one another like the limbs of the letter X. They are so attached as to become taut when the lower limb is straightened, and they prevent over-extension or bending forwards at the knee. The cruciate ligaments are sometimes strained or torn as a result of sporting injuries or vehicular accidents; surgery may be needed to repair the damage, but the knee will be permanently weakened.... cruciate ligaments