What fibrous connective tissue connects muscles to bones?

The correct answer is tendon. Tendons are specialized fibrous connective tissues that play a crucial role in the musculoskeletal system by connecting muscles to bones. When a muscle contracts, the tendon transmits the force generated by the muscle to the bone, facilitating movement at the joint. This unique structure allows tendons to withstand the tensile forces that occur during muscle contractions, enabling efficient and effective movement throughout the body.

In contrast, ligaments are fibrous connective tissues that connect bones to other bones, providing joint stability rather than connecting muscles to bones. Cartilage is a flexible connective tissue found in various parts of the body, such as joints, and functions to cushion and support the skeletal system without serving to connect muscles and bones. Fascia is a connective tissue that surrounds muscles and organs, providing structural support but not directly linking muscles to bones like tendons do.