Name the structure that is a connective tissue, cordlike extension from the muscle to the bone.

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

Answer: (A)

The key idea is that a tendon is the cordlike structure that links a muscle to a bone and transmits the force of muscle contraction to produce movement. Tendons are made of dense regular connective tissue with tightly packed collagen fibers aligned along the direction of pull, giving them high tensile strength so they can efficiently transfer the force from muscle to bone. When a muscle contracts, the tendon pulls on the bone, causing movement at the joint.

This distinguishes it from a ligament, which connects bone to bone to stabilize joints; fascia, which wraps and supports muscles and other tissues; and cartilage, which cushions joints and reduces friction but does not connect muscle to bone. An everyday example is the Achilles tendon, which connects the calf muscle to the heel bone and enables actions like standing on tiptoes.