What is the role of tendons in the body?

Tendons play a crucial role in the musculoskeletal system by connecting muscles to bones, which is essential for facilitating movement. When a muscle contracts, the attached tendon pulls on the bone, resulting in movement at the joint. This connection is fundamental because it allows for the transfer of force generated by the muscle to produce motion.

While tendons do not store energy directly, their structure is designed to withstand tension, allowing them to absorb and release some energy during muscle action. On the other hand, the other options describe the functions of different structures; ligaments connect bones to other bones, and protective roles are largely performed by other tissues or organs, not tendons.