What is the primary function of tendons in the human body?

The primary function of tendons in the human body is to resist tensile force. Tendons are strong, fibrous connective tissues that attach muscles to bones. When muscles contract, they pull on the tendons, which in turn transmit this force to the bones, allowing for movement of the joints. The tensile strength of tendons is crucial as it enables them to withstand the pulling forces generated during muscular contractions without tearing. This characteristic is vital for maintaining the integrity of the musculoskeletal system and ensuring efficient movement while preventing injury.

While storing energy, facilitating movement, and providing cushioning are important functions of other structures in the body, they do not accurately represent the primary role of tendons. For instance, while tendons do play a role in facilitating movement by connecting muscles to bones, their fundamental job is to maintain structural integrity and resist the forces that arise from muscle contractions. This makes them crucial for the stability and resilience of the body's functional movements.