Tendon

Definition

A tendon is a tough, flexible band of fibrous connective tissue that connects muscles to bones, enabling the force from muscle contractions to be transferred to the skeleton for movement. Tendons play a critical role in joint mechanics by stabilizing and guiding joint movements.

Related terms

Synovial Joint: A type of joint that is surrounded by a fluid-filled capsule, allowing for smooth movement between bones.

Ligament: A band of dense regular connective tissue that connects bones to other bones, providing stability to joints.

Muscle Contraction: The process in which muscle fibers shorten and generate force, leading to movement of body parts connected by tendons