tendon

sinew

Dense regular connective tissue that connects muscle to bone[VSAO].

Type Bone
Body System Muscular
Latin Name sinew
FMA ID 9721

Sub-structures

central tendon of diaphragm Muscle future central tendon Tendon infraspinatus tendon Muscle perineal body Muscle tendon of semitendinosus Tendon vinculum of tendon Muscle vinculum tendon of wing Tendon

Frequently Asked Questions

How does tendon structure enable force transmission?
Tendons are composed of dense regular connective tissue — tightly packed parallel collagen fibers (predominantly type I collagen) aligned along the axis of tension. This arrangement gives tendons exceptional tensile strength while minimizing bulk. The collagen fibers are organized into primary, secondary, and tertiary fiber bundles surrounded by loose connective tissue (endotenon and epitenon) that carries blood vessels and nerves.
How do tendons differ from ligaments?
Both tendons and ligaments are dense regular connective tissues rich in collagen, but they connect different structures: tendons connect muscles to bones, while ligaments connect bone to bone. Tendons generally have higher collagen density and less elastin, reflecting their role in transmitting strong unidirectional muscle forces. Ligaments contain more elastin, allowing slight stretching to accommodate joint movement.
Why do tendons heal slowly after injury?
Tendons have a relatively poor blood supply compared to muscle, which limits the delivery of oxygen, nutrients, and inflammatory cells needed for repair. The healing process progresses through three phases — inflammatory, proliferative, and remodeling — and can take months to years. The newly formed scar tissue has disorganized collagen that is mechanically inferior to native tendon, increasing re-injury risk without proper rehabilitation.

Related Structures

anterior internodal tract anterior internodal fasciculus aponeurosis aponeuroses atrioventricular node A-V node Bachmann's bundle anterior interatrial band Biceps brachii Musculus biceps brachii bundle of His A-V bundle cardiac muscle tissue of myocardium cardiac Purkinje fiber cardiac Purkinje fiber

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Educational Disclaimer

This content is for educational and informational purposes only. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider for medical decisions.

Data sources: Terminologia Anatomica, Foundational Model of Anatomy, Wikidata.