Which of the following describes the role of tendons in the muscular system?

Tendons play a crucial role in the muscular system by connecting muscles to bones. This connection is essential for movement because when a muscle contracts, it pulls on the tendon, which in turn pulls on the bone to create motion at a joint. Tendons are tough, fibrous tissues that not only provide a link between muscles and bones but also help to transmit the forces generated by muscle contractions efficiently.

In contrast, supporting internal organs is a function primarily associated with ligaments and other connective tissues rather than tendons. Facilitating gas exchange pertains to the respiratory system and is not related to the muscular system. Processing food pertains to the digestive system, where muscles help move food through the digestive tract but are not directly related to the function of tendons. Therefore, the connection between muscles and bones is the defining function of tendons within the muscular system.