What structure connects muscles to bones?

The structure that connects muscles to bones is tendons. Tendons are tough, flexible bands of fibrous connective tissue that have a strong tensile strength, allowing them to withstand the forces exerted during muscle contraction. When a muscle contracts, the tendon pulls on the bone, resulting in movement at the joint where the muscle is attached. This connection is essential for enabling various movements and activities, from everyday actions to complex athletic maneuvers.

Ligaments serve a different function, as they connect bones to other bones at joints, providing stability. Cartilage is a more flexible tissue that cushions joints and allows for smooth movements between the bones, while fascia is a connective tissue that surrounds muscles and organs but does not serve to connect muscles to bones. Understanding these distinctions is crucial in anatomy, as each structure has a specific role in the musculoskeletal system.