What connects muscle to bone?

The correct answer is that tendons are the structures that connect muscle to bone. Tendons are made of dense connective tissue and play a crucial role in facilitating movement by transmitting the force produced by muscles to bones. This connection allows the skeletal system to move as muscles contract and pull on the bones they are attached to, enabling various movements of the body.

Other connective structures listed have different functions. Ligaments connect bones to other bones, providing stability to joints. Cartilage serves as a cushion between bones and can also form structures such as the nose and ears. Synovial fluid, on the other hand, is a lubricant found within joint cavities that decreases friction between the articular cartilage of synovial joints, enhancing smooth movement but does not connect muscle to bone. Understanding these distinctions helps clarify the specific roles each structure plays in the musculoskeletal system.