Which of the following structure connects muscle to bones?

Appeared in: RUHS, Jaipur, PB B.Sc Nursing Entrance-2024

Explanation

Tendons are specialized connective tissues composed of dense, regular collagen fibers.
Their primary function is to attach skeletal muscles to bones.
When a muscle contracts, the tendon pulls on the bone, generating movement at a joint.
A key example is the Achilles tendon, which is the thickest and strongest tendon, connecting the calf muscles to the heel bone.

Option A: Cartilage is a shock-absorbing tissue that covers the ends of bones in joints; it does not attach muscle to bone.
Option B: Ligaments connect bone to bone, providing stability to joints.
Option D: A membrane is a general term for a thin layer of tissue that lines cavities or covers organs; it is not the primary structure for connecting muscle to bone.

Clinical Relevance

Nursing practice connection: This is primarily an exam-oriented knowledge point with limited direct bedside application, so retain Anatomy and function of musculoskeletal connective tissues as background academic context rather than a clinical decision trigger.
Understanding the difference between tendons and ligaments is crucial for nurses when assessing and documenting musculoskeletal injuries. A 'strain' is an injury to a muscle or tendon, while a 'sprain' is an injury to a ligament.
Patient education often involves explaining these differences to help individuals understand their injury, the importance of the prescribed treatment (e.g., RICE protocol: Rest, Ice, Compression, Elevation), and activity limitations.
What if? If a patient has a complete tear of the Achilles tendon (tendon rupture), the required intervention shifts from conservative management (for a minor strain) to a likely surgical repair. The nurse's role would then involve pre-operative and post-operative care, including wound care, pain management, and mobility assistance.

How to Approach the Question

First, identify the key terms in the question: 'connects', 'muscle', and 'bones'.
The question is asking for the specific anatomical structure that links muscle tissue to bone tissue.
Recall the definitions of the different types of connective tissues provided in the options.
Evaluate each option based on your knowledge: Cartilage is for joint surfaces, Ligaments connect bone-to-bone, and Tendons connect muscle-to-bone.
Select the option that directly matches the function described in the question.
This is a direct recall question based on fundamental anatomy.

Concept Tested & Keywords

QK2gYHSJmrQ837XhEFPsAY

E6 Nursing Fundamentals Potter Perry 12e Part 4 p. 81-83

E6 Nursing Brunner Adult Health 3SA Vol 1 Part 4 p. 103-105

E6 Nursing Fundamentals Taylor p. 306-308

Practise the full RUHS, Jaipur, PB B.Sc Nursing Entrance-2024

Attempt every question from this paper in a timed mock, then review the full solution for each one.