Tendon - definition and function

What is Tendon

Tendon is a tough, fibrous band of connective tissue that joins MUSCLE to BONE. A tendon originates in the muscle. Like muscle, tendons have a rich BLOOD and NERVE supply. At its other end the tendon inserts into the bone. Mineralization at the insertion point creates a contiguous flow of tissue from muscle to bone. The largest tendon in the body is the ACHILLES TENDON, which joins the muscles of the calf to the bone of the heel. The most common health conditions involving tendons are TENDONITIS (INFLAMMATION of a tendon) and tendon rupture (a tear in the tendon).

See also BURSA; LIGAMENT; PATELLOFEMORAL SYNDROME; ROTATOR CUFF IMPINGEMENT SYNDROME.

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