What role do tendons play in the muscular system?

Tendons are tough, fibrous tissues that serve a vital role in the muscular system by connecting muscles to bones. This connection allows the force generated by the muscles during contraction to be transferred to the skeleton, resulting in the movement of the body. When a muscle contracts, it pulls on the tendon, which in turn pulls on the attached bone, initiating movement. This mechanism is essential for almost all bodily movements, providing the structural support necessary for bones to move effectively at joints. Understanding this function helps clarify the importance of tendons in the overall mechanics of muscle and bone interaction within the body.