Untitled Deck Flashcards
(22 cards)
What is the primary function of tendons in the human body?
To link muscles to bones, allowing bones to move as muscles tighten and relax
Describe the physical structure of a tendon
A tendon is a cord of strong, flexible tissue that connects muscles to bones.
How do tendons help prevent muscle injury?
Tendons absorb some of the impact when muscles perform movements like running or jumping.
Are tendons stretchy?
No, tendons are not stretchy, but they are highly resistant to tearing
What happens when a muscle contracts in relation to the tendon and bone?
The tendon pulls the attached bone, causing it to move, acting as a lever.
Are tendons stiffer or more flexible than muscles?
Tendons are stiffer than muscles
Name the main components of tendon structure.
Epitenon, paratenon, Sharpey fibers, endotenon, sheath, and synovium.
What is the epitenon?
A thin layer of connective tissue that surrounds the entire tendon.
What is the paratenon and its function?
A loose layer of connective tissue outside the epitenon that allows the tendon to move against other tissues.
What are Sharpey fibers?
Collagen fibers that attach the tendon to bone
What is the endotenon?
Connective tissue that surrounds the primary, secondary, and tertiary fiber bundles in a tendon, helping them glide against each other.
What is the function of the tendon sheath and synovium?
The sheath is a protective covering in some tendons (like in hands and feet) that produces lubricating synovial fluid, helping the tendon slide smoothly.
What is the main protein found in tendons?
Collagen
What are the properties of collagen fibers in tendons?
Collagen fibers are strong, flexible, and resistant to change.
How are collagen fibers organized in a tendon?
Collagen fibers are arranged in bundles, similar to a rope, to increase strength.
What are the three groups of collagen fiber bundles in tendons?
Primary fiber bundles (subfasicles), secondary fiber bundles (fasicles), and tertiary fiber bundles.
What is a primary fiber bundle (subfasicle)?
The smallest bundle of collagen fibers in a tendon.
What is a secondary fiber bundle (fasicle)?
A group of primary fiber bundles.
What is a tertiary fiber bundle?
A group of secondary fiber bundles that form the tendon itself.
Do tendons contain blood vessels and nerves?
Yes, tendons contain both blood vessels and nerves.
Name three major tendons and their functions.
Achilles tendon: Connects calf muscles to the heel bone, essential for walking and running.
Patellar tendon: Connects the kneecap to the shinbone, involved in knee extension.
Rotator cuff tendons: Attach shoulder muscles to the humerus, stabilize, and enable shoulder joint movement
Approximately how many tendons are in the human body?
There are thousands of tendons in the human body.
