What is the flexible but inelastic cord that attaches a muscle to a bone called?

• A. Tendons
• B. Temperature
• C. Suprapubic
• D. Swelling

Answer: (A)

Tendons are the flexible but inelastic cords that attach a muscle to a bone. They are made mostly of strong collagen fibers that transmit the force generated by a muscle contraction to the bone, producing movement. Their relative stiffness means they stretch only a little under tension, which helps control precise motions and protects joints from excessive movement. They heal slowly because they have limited blood supply. For example, when the biceps contracts, its tendon pulls on the forearm bone to bend the elbow. The other terms listed—temperature (a measure of heat), suprapubic (a location referring to the area above the pubic bone), and swelling (a sign of inflammation or edema)—are not related to the muscle-to-bone connection.