What are Tendons?
Tendons are bundles or bands of strong fibres that attach muscles to bones. Tendons transfer force from the muscle to the bone to produce the movement of joints. What are tendon disorders? Tendon disorders are medical conditions that result in the tendons not functioning normally. These disorders occur in two types of tendons: tendons without sheaths (Figure 1), and tendons with sheaths (Figure 2). Tendinitis is a disorder of tendons without sheaths and tenosynovitis is a disorder of tendons with sheaths. Figure 1 Figure 2 What is tendinitis? Tendinitis (also called tendonitis) is the term used to describe an inflammation of tendons. Tendons are rope-like structures made of strong, smooth, shiny fibers. With repetitive or prolonged activities, forceful exertion, awkward and static postures, vibration, and localized mechanical stress, the tendons fibers can tear apart in much the same way a rope becomes frayed. These tendon changes trigger an inflammatory response. Inflammation is a loc
Tendons are connective tissue structures that join muscles to their insertion sites in bones. Made up largely of fibrils consisting of the protein collagen, tendons show both strength and elasticity. They are able to transfer the force generated by a muscle undergoing contraction to the bone with which it is connected. Tendons and skeletal muscles are joined together at a structure known as the myotendinous junction, which is remarkable for having high concentrations of many of the proteins that are similarly concentrated where motor nerves innervate muscle (the neuromuscular junction).
Tendons, or sinews, connect muscle to bone. The bones in a person’s skeleton enable him or her to walk, run, jump, roll, lift, carry, drop, and do other important physical activities. Without the ability of tendons to connect the muscles and bones that are responsible for controlling these actions, it would be impossible for the body to move in the way it does. Since tendons are important for the body to move, it is important to keep them strong, healthy, and free from harm. The composition of tendons is much like gelatin, but harder and not as elastic. They are made of special cells called tenocytes, water, and fibrous collagen proteins. Millions of these collagen proteins weave together to form the strong strand of flexible tissue called a tendon. Tendons grow into the bone and form a tough mineralized connection. This connection creates a permanent bond that is extremely tough to break. Despite their incredible strength, tendons can be damaged if overstrained or improperly cared for
