Which connective tissue structure connects muscles to bones?

• A. Ligaments
• B. Cartilage
• C. Fascia
• D. Tendons

Answer: (D)

The connection that transfers a muscle’s force to the skeleton is through tendons. Tendons are strong, rope-like bundles of collagen-rich tissue that attach the ends of muscles to bone. When a muscle contracts, the tendon transmits that pulling force to the bone, producing movement. Their dense, parallel collagen fibers give them high tensile strength, allowing them to withstand the pulling forces generated during activity. The tendon is continuous with the muscle at the myotendinous junction and anchors into bone via insertion into the periosteum, providing a secure and efficient link between muscle and bone.

For context, ligaments connect bone to bone to stabilize joints, fascia surrounds and supports muscles and compartments, and cartilage cushions joints and reduces friction—none of these directly connect muscle to bone in the way tendons do.