Tendons are responsible for connecting what two structures?

Tendons play a crucial role in the musculoskeletal system by connecting muscles to bones. This connection allows for efficient force transmission when muscles contract, leading to movement of the skeleton. When a muscle contracts, it pulls on the tendon, which in turn applies force to the bone, resulting in movement at the joint where the bone is located.

The other options pertain to different types of connective tissues: ligaments connect bone to bone, which stabilizes joints; muscles can work in coordination but do not connect directly to one another; and cartilage serves to cushion joints and reduce friction but does not connect to other pieces of cartilage in the same manner that tendons connect muscles to bones. Understanding the specific functions and connections of tendons helps clarify their importance in both movement and overall structural integrity of the body.