Tendon

A tendon is a tough, fibrous connective tissue that connects muscle to bone. It's composed primarily of collagen fibers, arranged in parallel bundles, providing significant tensile strength. Tendons allow muscles to exert force on bones, enabling movement. They are essential for transmitting the mechanical forces generated by muscle contraction, enabling actions like walking, lifting, and grasping. They are flexible yet resilient, designed to withstand considerable stress and strain, and their structure supports a vast array of movements. The tendons are located within the body and are very important to maintain the body's movement capabilities.

Tendon meaning with examples

• The athlete suffered a severe injury when his Achilles tendon ruptured during a sprint, preventing him from completing the race. Rehabilitation for a torn tendon, like in the knee or shoulder, often involves physical therapy and sometimes surgery. Prolonged overuse, such as repetitive motions in sports, can lead to tendonitis, causing inflammation and pain.
• Doctors examined the patient's knee, checking for signs of a torn patellar tendon, essential for extending the leg. Athletes often work to strengthen their tendons, improving force generation and endurance. Maintaining flexibility through stretching can help prevent tendon injuries, which are very difficult to treat.
• After the accident, the physiotherapist worked to restore the function of the wrist by encouraging the use of the wrist's tendons. The surgeon repaired the damaged rotator cuff tendons, vital for shoulder movement, through the method of micro-surgery. Understanding the anatomy of tendons is critical for diagnosing and treating musculoskeletal injuries.
• The physical therapist used ultrasound to diagnose the extent of inflammation affecting the tendons in the patient's elbow. Warming up before exercising helps increase blood flow to tendons, reducing the risk of strains or tears, promoting proper muscle movement and strength.