What is the tough band of fibrous tissue that connects bones or holds an organ in place called?

The tough band of fibrous tissue that connects bones or holds an organ in place is known as a ligament. Ligaments are essential components of the musculoskeletal system as they provide stability to joints by connecting bones to each other. They play a crucial role in maintaining the integrity of joints during movement and help prevent excessive motion that could lead to injuries.

In the context of the provided choices, other terms do not accurately describe this type of tissue. For instance, tendons connect muscles to bones and are different from ligaments, which serve to connect bones to other bones. The bed epithelium is a layer of tissue found beneath the nail body, playing a role in nail growth, but it does not connect bones. Open muscle is not a recognized term in anatomy related to connective tissues. Therefore, ligament is the appropriate term that defines the tough fibrous tissue connecting bones or holding organs in place.