tendon /ten′dən/ [Gk, tenon] , any one of many white, glistening bands of dense fibrous connective tissue that attach muscle to bone. Except at points of attachment, tendons are parallel bundles of collagenous fibers sheathed in delicate fibroelastic connective tissue. Larger tendons contain a thin internal septum, a few blood vessels, and specialized stereognostic nerves. Tendons are extremely strong, flexible, and inelastic and occur in various lengths and thicknesses. Compare ligament. −tendinous, adj.
