Which structure connects bone to muscle?

Which structure connects bone to muscle?

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

Answer: (A)

Understanding how muscles move the skeleton is key. The structure that connects muscle to bone is the tendon. Tendons are tough, flexible bands that attach the end of a muscle to a bone, so when the muscle contracts, the tendon pulls on the bone to produce movement. Ligaments, by contrast, connect bone to bone and help stabilize joints. Cartilage lines joint surfaces to cushion and reduce friction between bones. Bones themselves connect to other bones or tissues, but they don’t link muscle to bone.

Understanding how muscles move the skeleton is key. The structure that connects muscle to bone is the tendon. Tendons are tough, flexible bands that attach the end of a muscle to a bone, so when the muscle contracts, the tendon pulls on the bone to produce movement.

Ligaments, by contrast, connect bone to bone and help stabilize joints. Cartilage lines joint surfaces to cushion and reduce friction between bones. Bones themselves connect to other bones or tissues, but they don’t link muscle to bone.