What are tendons primarily responsible for?

Tendons serve the vital function of attaching muscles to bones. When muscles contract, they pull on the tendon, which in turn transmits that force to the bone, allowing for movement of the skeletal system. This connection is essential for all voluntary movements, from walking to lifting. The structure of tendons is designed to handle the tension generated by muscle contractions, ensuring efficient transfer of force.

In contrast, ligaments are responsible for connecting bones to other bones, not to muscles. While stabilizing joints during movement is important, it is primarily the role of ligaments and muscles rather than tendons. Additionally, tendons do not play a direct role in supporting blood flow in muscles; that function is primarily carried out by the circulatory system. Therefore, the primary role of tendons in the context of musculoskeletal function is accurately captured in the choice regarding their attachment of muscles to bones.