Tendon

High school (ages 12+)
Human Body

Name:

Date:

Step 1 · Read the article

Open the article and read it at the level above. Then answer the questions below in your own words.

https://smallwhale.org/articles/tendon

Write what each word means, using the article.

Do not copy the article. Write two things you learned, the way you would explain them to a friend.

Answers below are taken from the article’s stored facts, so they match what the student read.

1. What is the primary cellular component?Tenocytes, embedded within an extracellular matrix rich in Type I collagen
2. What is the biomechanical role?Efficient transmission of muscle force to bone and elastic energy storage/release
3. What are tendons?Tendons are strong, rope-like tissues that connect muscle to bone. They are made mostly of collagen fibers that help move joints.
4. How do tendons help me run and jump?When muscles contract, tendons carry the force to bone, and their elastic fibers store and release energy. This makes running and jumping easier and faster.

Extracellular Matrix: The non-cellular component of tissues, providing structural and biochemical support.
Viscoelasticity: A material property exhibiting both viscous (fluid-like) and elastic (solid-like) characteristics.
Tendinopathy: A general term for pain and dysfunction due to injury or degeneration of a tendon.