What structure connects muscles to bones?

Tendons are the structures that connect muscles to bones, facilitating movement. When a muscle contracts, the tendon pulls on the bone it is attached to, which allows for joint movement. Tendons are made of dense connective tissue that is strong enough to withstand the forces generated during muscle contraction. Their main function is to transmit the force from muscle contractions to the skeletal system, which is crucial for all types of physical activities.

In contrast, ligaments connect bones to other bones, providing support and stability to joints. Cartilage is a flexible connective tissue that provides cushioning at joints and enables smooth movement between bones, but it does not connect muscles to bones. Fascia is a layer of connective tissue that surrounds muscles and other organs but does not have the specific role of connecting muscles to bones. Understanding the distinct roles of these different connective tissues is essential in functional anatomy.