_____ are a dense type of connective tissue that are impregnated with inorganic salts.

Bones are a specialized type of dense connective tissue that are heavily impregnated with inorganic salts, primarily calcium phosphate. This mineralization gives bones their rigidity and strength, allowing them to support the body structurally, protect vital organs, and facilitate movement by serving as attachment points for muscles. The unique composition of bone tissue, which includes not only inorganic minerals but also organic components like collagen, enables the bone to resist various types of stress and strain placed upon it during daily activities.

In contrast, cartilage, ligaments, and tendons have different structures and functions. Cartilage is a flexible connective tissue that does not contain significant amounts of inorganic salts, which is why it remains pliable. Ligaments connect bones to other bones at joints and are made up of dense connective tissue primarily composed of collagen fibers, but they lack the mineral content found in bones. Tendons, which connect muscles to bones, are also formed from dense connective tissue and are strong yet flexible, but like ligaments and cartilage, they do not have the mineralization characteristic of bones. This understanding of the different types of connective tissue helps clarify why bones are the correct answer in this context.