Question

Perform the following activity.

1. Sit with your feet flat on the floor.
2. Place your fingers on the back of your ankle just above the heel (Fig.).
3. Point your toes down and up, and you will feel the tendon moving.

Tendons are designed to withstand huge pulling forces. Try exploring other tendons in your body around the different joints.

Answer 1

This activity helps you identify and feel a tendon, specifically the Achilles tendon.

• Place your fingers at the back of your ankle, just above the heel.
• Move your foot by pointing your toes downward and then upward.
• You will feel a strong, cord-like structure moving beneath your fingers. This is the Achilles tendon.

Tendons connect muscles to bones. When a muscle contracts, the tendon pulls on the bone, causing movement at the joint. Tendons are very strong and are designed to withstand large pulling forces.

You can repeat the same kind of observation around other joints, such as the wrist, fingers, or knee, to feel other tendons in your body.