Life and Health 



^82. Tendons and their Work. The fleshy parts of 

 muscles are not usually connected directly with bones. 

 The mass of flesh tapers off towards the ends, where the 

 fibers pass into white, glistening cords, known as tendons. 



These are commonly very strong, 

 made up of white, fibrous tissue, 

 and may be compared to ropes or 

 cords which, when pulled, are made 

 to act upon distant objects to which 

 one end is fastened. 



Tendons are most numerous 

 about the larger joints, where 

 they permit free action and yet 

 occupy but little space. If we 

 bend the arm or leg forcibly and 

 grasp the inside of the elbow or 

 knee joint, we can feel the ten- 

 dons beneath the skin. The 

 numerous tendons in the palm 

 or on the back of the hand 

 contribute to its marvelous dex- 

 terity. 



The thickest and strongest ten- 

 don in the body is the tendon of 

 Achilles, which connects the great 



The Biceps Muscle dissected mUScleS in the Calf f the le S with 



to show its Tendons. the heel bone. 



FIG. 33. 



Experiment 20. Repeat Experiment 19 with other muscles. With 

 the right hand grasp firmly the extended left forearm. Extend and 

 flex the fingers vigorously. Note the effect on the muscles and 

 tendons of the forearm. Grasp with the right hand the calf of the 

 extended right leg, and vigorously flex the leg, bringing it near to 

 the body. Note the contractions and relaxations of the muscles. 



