TENDON

in anatomy, tissue that attaches a muscle to other body parts, usually bones. Tendons are the connective tissues that transmit the mechanical force of muscle contraction to the bones; the tendon is firmly connected to muscle fibres at one end and to components of the bone at its other end. A tendon is composed of dense, fibrous connective tissue made up primarily of spindle-shaped cells called fibroblasts and of collagenous fibres (see collagen). Its composition is similar to that of ligaments and aponeuroses. The great tensile strength of tendons, which is necessary to withstand the stresses generated by muscular contraction, is made possible by the large quantity of collagenous fibres, which are remarkably tough and strong. See also connective tissue.