What type of connective tissue is primarily formed by tendons?

Tendons are primarily composed of dense fibrous connective tissue. This type of connective tissue is characterized by a high density of collagen fibers, which provide the strength and resistance to pulling forces that tendons require to effectively transmit muscle forces to bones. The arrangement of collagen fibers in tendons offers tensile strength and allows them to withstand the stress placed on them during movement.

Unlike elastic connective tissue, which has a high proportion of elastin fibers that allow for flexibility and stretch, or loose connective tissue, which provides cushioning and support to organs with a less dense fiber arrangement, tendons are designed for stability and force transmission. Adipose tissue, on the other hand, primarily serves as energy storage and insulation, making it functionally different from the role of tendons in the musculoskeletal system. Therefore, dense fibrous connective tissue is the correct choice as it aptly describes the structural and functional characteristics of tendons.