What connects muscle to bone?

Tendons are the structures that connect muscle to bone, facilitating movement by transferring the force generated by muscle contractions to the skeleton. When a muscle contracts, the tendon pulls on the attached bone, enabling the joint to move. This connection is crucial for the function of the musculoskeletal system, as it allows for coordinated movements and stability during physical activities.

Ligaments, on the other hand, connect bone to bone and provide stability to joints, not directly linking muscles to bones. Cartilage serves as a cushion between bones at joints, reducing friction and absorbing shock, and fascia is a connective tissue that surrounds muscles and groups of muscles but does not connect muscles to bones. The distinction between these structures is essential for understanding their unique roles in the body's anatomy and movement mechanics.