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How do tendons connect muscles to bones?
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human muscle system
Lateral view of the human muscular system.
Tendons are tough, fibrous connective tissues that attach muscles to bones. They are primarily composed of collagen fibers, arranged in a parallel, hierarchical structure that provides remarkable tensile strength. This strength is essential for transmitting the mechanical force generated by muscle contractions to the bones, enabling movement. The collagen fibers within the tendon are organized into bundles, surrounded by sheaths that allow for smooth gliding. At the bone, these collagen fibers, known as Sharpey fibers, embed directly into the bone matrix, creating a strong anchor point.1