Which components are primarily involved in connecting muscles to bones?

The correct answer focuses on tendons, which are the connective tissues that play a vital role in attaching muscles to bones. Tendons are composed of strong, fibrous collagen, allowing them to withstand the tension produced when muscles contract. This connection is crucial for facilitating movement, as the force generated by muscle contraction is transferred through the tendon to the bone, enabling the skeletal system to function effectively.

The other components mentioned serve different purposes. Muscles are the structures that generate movement but do not directly connect to bones; they must attach to bone via tendons to effect motion. Cartilage serves as a cushion and provides support within joints, reducing friction, but it does not connect muscles to bones directly. Ligaments connect bone to bone, providing stability to joints rather than linking muscles to skeletal structures. Therefore, the role of tendons is specifically defined in establishing the necessary connection between the muscular and skeletal systems.