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Tendon Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

๐Ÿ’ช
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tendon

[หˆtษ›ndษ™n ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Noun

anatomy

A flexible but inelastic cord of strong fibrous collagen tissue attaching a muscle to a bone.

Synonyms

connective tissue, ligament, sinew.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
tendon

Best used in medical or anatomical contexts when referring to the tissue that connects muscle to bone.

  • The doctor explained that the injury was due to a torn Achilles tendon
ligament

Specifically refers to the fibrous tissue that connects bones to other bones in a joint, often used in medical, sports, and anatomical discussions.

  • After the accident, she had to undergo surgery to repair a torn knee ligament
sinew

An older or more literary term often used to describe tendons or the general strength and resilience of a body part, can also have a figurative meaning.

  • The warriorโ€™s arms were thick with sinew, showing years of hard labor and battle
connective tissue

Used in more general or scientific contexts when describing tissues that support, bind, or separate other tissues or organs.

  • Connective tissue disorders can impact various parts of the body, including the skin and joints

Examples of usage

  • The Achilles tendon connects the calf muscles to the heel bone.
  • Tendons are essential for the movement of the skeletal system.
Context #2 | Noun

medical

A tough band of inelastic tissue connecting a muscle with its bony attachment.

Synonyms

band, cord, fibrous tissue.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
tendon

This term is used in medical or anatomical contexts to describe the tough, fibrous tissue that connects muscle to bone.

  • The athlete tore a tendon in his knee during the game.
  • Tendons are essential for movement and stability.
fibrous tissue

This term is used in medical or biological contexts to describe tissue that consists mainly of fibers and is strong and tough. It is a more technical and broader term than 'tendon'.

  • The doctor noted that the biopsy sample contained fibrous tissue.
  • Fibrous tissue helps provide structure and support in the body.
cord

Generally refers to a long, thin, flexible structure resembling rope or a string, and can be used in both anatomical and non-anatomical contexts.

  • The surgeon cut the umbilical cord carefully.
  • He tripped over an extension cord in the living room.
band

This word can refer to various things but in the context of anatomy, it generally describes a strip of tissue that can be muscular, fibrous, or connective. It is also commonly used in casual contexts outside of anatomy.

  • A tight band of muscle was causing her pain.
  • They applied a compression band to reduce swelling.
  • The wedding band slipped off his finger.

Examples of usage

  • Tendon injuries are common in athletes.
  • The surgeon repaired the torn tendon in her shoulder.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Anatomy

  • Tendons are much stronger than muscles on their own; they can withstand a lot of force, making them essential for physical activity.
  • Every major muscle group in the body has its own tendons that attach to bones, allowing for coordinated movements like running and jumping.

Sports Medicine

  • Tendon injuries, like tendinitis, are common among athletes and can affect performance, emphasizing the importance of proper warm-up and stretching.
  • Rehabilitation for tendon injuries often includes strengthening exercises to ensure they heal properly.

Cultural References

  • In various cultures, expressions like 'pulling a muscle' often refer to tendon stress, hinting at their integral role in physical prowess.
  • The popularity of sports and fitness has led to a growing awareness of tendon health, inspiring many to focus on strength-building activities.

Popular Science

  • Tendons, comprised of dense connective tissue, can adapt to increased loads, making them stronger over time with consistent training.
  • The process of tendon healing is slower compared to muscles; this is due to lower blood flow in tendons, making injuries more complicated to treat.

Origin of 'tendon'

Main points about word origin

  • The word 'tendon' comes from the Latin 'tendo', which means 'to stretch' or 'to extend', reflecting their role in movement.
  • In ancient medicine, tendons were often referenced in connection with the concept of 'being drawn tight', illustrating how they work.

The word 'tendon' originates from the late 16th century, from the medieval Latin 'tendล', which means 'sinew'. It has been used in anatomy to refer to the fibrous tissue that connects muscles to bones. The importance of tendons in the human body has been recognized for centuries, with ancient physicians and anatomists studying and describing their structure and function.

Word Frequency Rank

Ranked #10,400, this word falls into high-advanced vocabulary. It appears less frequently but is valuable for expressing precise meanings in specific contexts.