What kind of tissue connects muscles to bones?

Tendons are the type of tissue that connect muscles to bones. They are made up of dense connective tissue, which is strong and flexible, allowing the muscles to exert force on the bones during movement. When a muscle contracts, the tendon transmits this force to the bone, resulting in movement at the joint.

Cartilage serves a different function; it is a type of connective tissue that provides support and cushioning between bones and joints but does not connect muscles to bones. Ligaments, on the other hand, connect bones to other bones at joints, providing stability and support but not connecting muscles to bones. Fascia is connective tissue that surrounds muscles and other organs, playing a role in support and structure but again not directly attaching muscles to bones. Understanding these distinctions helps clarify the various roles that soft tissues play in the musculoskeletal system.