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Anatomy & Physiology vocabulary · Muscles, Joints and Movement

Tendon

Meaning in anatomy & physiology, with examples

/ˈtendən/nounCore term

In anatomy & physiology, tendon means: A strong cord of fibrous tissue that attaches a muscle to a bone, so that when the muscle contracts it pulls on the bone.

In Turkish: tendon, kas kirişi

How it is used

The Achilles tendon at the back of the heel is the largest and best-known example. Tendons can become inflamed (tendinitis) or rupture. Doctors test reflexes by tapping a tendon with a reflex hammer.

Example sentences

  1. The Achilles tendon connects the calf muscles to the heel bone.

  2. Tapping the patellar tendon just below the kneecap should make the leg kick forward.

Common collocations

  • Achilles tendon
  • patellar tendon
  • tendon rupture
  • tendon reflex
  • ligamentA tough band of fibrous connective tissue that connects one bone to another and keeps a joint stable.
  • muscleA tissue or organ made of cells that can contract (shorten) to produce movement or force. The three types are skeletal, cardiac and smooth muscle.
  • boneThe hard, living tissue that forms the skeleton, and each organ made of it. Bones support the body, protect organs, store calcium and contain the marrow that makes blood cells.
  • reflexA fast, automatic response to a stimulus that does not need conscious thought, such as pulling your hand away from something hot. Many simple reflexes are handled by the spinal cord.

This word in other fields

The same English word can have a different meaning in another field:

More terms: Muscles, Joints and Movement

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This page explains English vocabulary for learners. It is not medical advice.