What is the role of tendons in the skeletal system?

• A. To connect bones to bones
• B. To connect muscles to bones
• C. To provide stability to joints
• D. To cushion joints

Answer: (B)

Tendons are the link between muscle and bone. When a muscle contracts, the force is transmitted through the tendon to the bone, pulling on it and producing movement at the joint. This is why tendons are essential for translating the power of muscle contractions into skeletal motion.

They’re not what connect bones to each other—that job belongs to ligaments. They also aren’t primarily responsible for joint stability or cushioning—that role is more about ligaments for stability and cartilage or bursae for cushioning. So the best description is that tendons connect muscles to bones to enable movement.