tendon

ten·don

noun \ˈten-dən\

Definition of TENDON

: a tough cord or band of dense white fibrous connective tissue that unites a muscle with some other part (as a bone) and transmits the force which the muscle exerts

Origin of TENDON

Medieval Latin tendon-, tendo, from Latin tendere to stretch — more at thin

First Known Use: 1541

Other Anatomy Terms

bilateral symmetry, carotid, cartilage, dorsal, entrails, prehensile, renal, solar plexus, supine, thoracic, ventral

ten·don

noun \ˈten-dən\   (Medical Dictionary)

Medical Definition of TENDON

: a tough cord or band of dense white fibrous connective tissue that unites a muscle with some other part, transmits the force which the muscle exerts, and is continuous with the connective-tissue epimysium and perimysium of the muscle and when inserted into a bone with the periosteum of the bone

tendon

noun    (Concise Encyclopedia)

Tissue attaching a muscle to other body parts, usually bones, to transmit the mechanical force of muscle contraction to the other part. Much like ligaments, tendons are composed of dense, fibrous connective tissue with a high collagen content, which makes them remarkably tough and strong, with great tensile strength to withstand the stresses generated by muscle contraction.