What is a common condition that affects ligaments and muscles?

A sprain is a common condition that specifically affects ligaments, which are the connective tissues that link bones at a joint. It occurs when these ligaments are overstretched or torn, often resulting from sudden twists or impacts during physical activity. While muscles can also be affected during a sprain due to the close relationship between muscles and ligaments in movement, sprains primarily involve the ligaments themselves.

In contrast, a fracture pertains to the breaking of a bone and does not primarily involve ligaments or muscles. Cardiac arrest refers to the sudden cessation of heart activity, affecting the cardiovascular system rather than the musculoskeletal system. A stroke occurs due to interrupted blood flow to the brain and likewise does not involve ligaments or muscles. Thus, the focus on ligaments and their injuries makes a sprain the correct answer.