Introduction to Connective Tissue and Muscle Types

Vocabulary flashcards covering connective tissues (tendons, ligaments, aponeuroses) and the three primary muscle types, along with related terminology from the lecture notes.

Tendon

A narrow, non-elastic band of dense fibrous connective tissue that attaches a muscle to a bone.

Ligament

A band of fibrous connective tissue that forms joints by connecting one bone to another bone.

Aponeurosis

A sheet-like, flattened tendon that connects muscles to each other or to bones.

Patellar Tendon

The tendon that attaches muscle to the bottom of the patella (kneecap).

Achilles Tendon

The tendon that connects the gastrocnemius (calf) muscle to the heel bone.

Gastrocnemius Muscle

The major muscle of the calf that inserts into the heel via the Achilles tendon.

Skeletal Muscle

Muscle tissue attached to bones, enabling body motion; it is voluntary and striated.

Smooth Muscle

Involuntary, non-striated muscle tissue found in the walls of internal organs such as the stomach and blood vessels.

Myocardial Muscle

Specialized, involuntary muscle tissue of the heart responsible for pumping blood.

Striated Muscle

Muscle with microscopic dark and light bands giving a striped appearance; characteristic of skeletal muscle.

Voluntary Muscle

Muscle whose action is consciously controlled; synonymous with skeletal muscle.