Which structure connects muscles to bones?

The connection between muscles and bones is made specifically by tendons, which are fibrous connective tissues. When a muscle contracts, it pulls on the tendon, which then transmits that force to the bone, resulting in movement at the joint. Tendons are designed to withstand the tension generated during muscle contraction, making them integral to the functioning of the musculoskeletal system.

Ligaments, on the other hand, connect bones to other bones, providing stability to joints but are not involved in the muscle-to-bone connection. Cartilage serves as a cushioning material at joints, allowing for smooth movements and reducing friction, while joints are the points where two or more bones meet, facilitating motion but not directly connecting muscles to bones. Therefore, tendons are the specific structures that fulfill the role of linking muscles to bones.