US Medical Term · anatomy
Tendon
Tendón
In 9 languages
| Language | Term |
|---|---|
| English | Tendon |
| Spanish (Español) | Tendón |
| Chinese (中文) | 肌腱 |
| Korean (한국어) | 힘줄 |
| Vietnamese (Tiếng Việt) | Gân |
| Filipino (Tagalog) | Litid (tendón) |
| Portuguese (Português) | Tendão |
| Thai (ภาษาไทย) | เอ็น |
| Japanese (日本語) | 腱 |
What it means
Tendons are the strong, flexible cords of tissue that connect your muscles to your bones. When a muscle contracts, it pulls on the tendon, which then pulls on the bone to create movement. Tendons are made of dense collagen fibers and are designed to handle high forces. Common tendons include the Achilles tendon at the back of your ankle and the patellar tendon below your kneecap. Tendons can become inflamed — a condition called tendinitis — or can tear or rupture completely, especially with sudden forceful movements or repeated stress over time. Tendon injuries can cause significant pain and reduced movement.
How to say it
Sentences a patient might use with a doctor, nurse, pharmacist, or insurer:
My Achilles tendon is painful and swollen after playing sports.
El tendón de Aquiles me duele y está inflamado después de hacer deporte.
The doctor said I may have partially torn a tendon in my shoulder.
El médico dijo que puede que haya desgarrado parcialmente un tendón en el hombro.
I have tendinitis — the tendon is inflamed and it hurts to move.
Tengo tendinitis — el tendón está inflamado y me duele mover.
Where you'll see it
Related terms
Sources
Last reviewed: September 2026