OSMT (Ontario Society of Medical Technologists) Practice Exam

Muscles are attached to bones by:

1. Ligaments

2. Fascia

3. other muscles

4. tendons

The correct answer is: tendons

Muscles are attached to bones by tendons, which are strong, flexible bands of connective tissue. Tendons play a crucial role in the musculoskeletal system, as they transmit the force generated by muscles to the bones, enabling movement of the skeletal system. This attachment allows muscles to exert their pulling force effectively to create motion at joints. Ligaments, in contrast, connect bone to bone, providing stability to joints rather than serving to attach muscles. Fascia is a type of connective tissue that surrounds muscles, groups of muscles, and organs, providing support and structure but not directly attaching muscles to bones. Other muscles work in concert to facilitate movement, but they do not serve as points of attachment to bones.