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Tendon facts for kids

Kids Encyclopedia Facts

A tendon (or sinew) is a tough band of tissue that connects muscle to bone. It is built to withstand tension. Tendons are similar to ligaments except that ligaments join one bone to another. Tendons and muscles work together. They can only create a pulling force.

Anatomy

The beginning of a tendon is where it connects to a muscle. Collagen fibers from the inside of the muscle are the same as those of the tendon. A tendon inserts into bone at an enthesis. At this point, the collagen fibers are changed into bone tissue. Tendons can not create any pulling force of their own. The tendons transfer the movement of muscles. They can create an elastic force if stretched. Tendons are part of the human body often connected to joints.

Images for kids

  • Magnified view of a Tendon

    Magnified view of a tendon

  • Edmontosaurus ossified tendon

    Ossified tendon from an Edmontosaurus bone bed in Wyoming (Lance Formation)

See also

Kids robot.svg In Spanish: Tendón para niños

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Tendon Facts for Kids. Kiddle Encyclopedia.