What are tendons?

• A. Non-elastic tissue that connects bones to bones
• B. Tissue at the ends of muscles which attach muscle to bone
• C. Cartilage at joints
• D. Synovial membrane

Answer: (B)

Tendons are tough bands of fibrous tissue that link muscles to bones. When a muscle contracts, the tendon transmits that pulling force to the bone, producing movement. They’re built to withstand tension and are primarily made of collagen. This is why the description of tendons as tissue at the ends of muscles attaching muscle to bone is the best fit. In contrast, ligaments connect bones to other bones to stabilize joints, cartilage cushions joint surfaces, and the synovial membrane lines the joint capsule and produces fluid.