What type of connective tissue attaches muscle to bone?

Tendons are the type of connective tissue that specifically attach muscles to bones. They are composed of dense, fibrous connective tissue that allows for the strong attachment needed to transmit the force generated by muscles to bones, enabling movement at the joints. Tendons are designed to withstand tension and are often seen connecting various muscle groups to skeletal structures throughout the body.

In contrast, ligaments attach bone to bone, providing stability to joints but are not involved in the attachment of muscles. Adipose tissue functions primarily as a fat storage and insulation component in the body, and cartilages serve as a cushioning material between bones at joints, neither of which play a role in muscle attachment to bone. Therefore, the selection of tendons as the correct answer reflects an understanding of the specific functions and characteristics of different types of connective tissues.