The connective tissue structure that attaches muscle to bone is called a

The connective tissue structure that attaches muscle to bone is called a

• A. Tendon
• B. Ligament
• C. Fascia
• D. Cartilage

Answer: (A)

Muscle force is transmitted to bone through a tendon, a strong band of dense connective tissue that links muscle to bone and carries the pull of contraction across a joint. Tendons are built from tightly packed collagen fibers arranged to handle high tensile loads in the direction of pull, which lets movement occur when the muscle shortens. Ligaments connect bone to bone and stabilize joints, so they don’t attach muscle to bone. Fascia surrounds and compartmentalizes muscles but isn’t the direct muscle-to-bone anchor. Cartilage provides smooth joint surfaces and cushioning for bones but does not function as a muscle attachment.

Muscle force is transmitted to bone through a tendon, a strong band of dense connective tissue that links muscle to bone and carries the pull of contraction across a joint. Tendons are built from tightly packed collagen fibers arranged to handle high tensile loads in the direction of pull, which lets movement occur when the muscle shortens. Ligaments connect bone to bone and stabilize joints, so they don’t attach muscle to bone. Fascia surrounds and compartmentalizes muscles but isn’t the direct muscle-to-bone anchor. Cartilage provides smooth joint surfaces and cushioning for bones but does not function as a muscle attachment.