Tendon

Achilles tendon

Tendon at high magnification

Magnified view of a tendon

Edmontosaurus ossified tendon

Tendon is a flexible yet inelastic cord of strong fibrous collagen tissue attaching a muscle to a bone. Tendons are similar to ligaments and fasciae as they are all made of collagen. Ligaments join one bone to another bone, while fasciae connect muscles to other muscles. Tendons and muscles work together to move bones.

Structure

Tendons are composed of collagen fibers, ground substance, elastin, proteoglycans, and inorganic components. The majority of the tendon consists of densely packed collagen fibers. These fibers are arranged in a parallel fashion to one another, which provides the tendon with its strength and stiffness.

Function

The primary function of a tendon is to transmit the force generated by the muscle to the bone, which allows for movement of the joint. Tendons can also store energy, as in the tendons of the leg, which store energy for jumping.

Clinical significance

Tendons can be damaged by injury or overuse, resulting in tendinitis or tendon rupture. Tendinitis is inflammation of the tendon, which can cause pain and loss of function. Tendon rupture is a more serious condition, where the tendon is completely or partially torn.

See also

• Ligament
• Fasciae
• Collagen
• Tendinitis
• Tendon rupture