What does a tendon do?

A tendon is a fibrous connective tissue that plays a crucial role in the musculoskeletal system by connecting muscle to bone. This connection allows for the transfer of force generated by the muscle to the bone, facilitating movement. When a muscle contracts, the tendon pulls on the attached bone, leading to joint movement, which is essential for various physical activities.

The other choices do not accurately define the function of a tendon. For example, the connection of bone to bone is specifically the role of ligaments, which provide stability to joints. Additionally, tendons are not typically composed of elastic tissue; rather, they are primarily composed of collagen fibers that offer strength and resistance to tensile forces. Lastly, anchoring blood vessels to bone is not a function of tendons; blood vessels are generally associated with bone through a different type of structure and support. Understanding the specific role of tendons helps clarify their importance in anatomy and physiology.