What is the difference between sinew and tendon? I wonder what the difference between sinew and tendon is. I searched for it but didn't get any clear answer: < > They are often used interchangably but to be technical, a tendon connects a muscle to a bone. The term sinew also seems to include ligaments which connect bones to bones. It is however, not a medical term. < > Sinew is another word for muscle which is the functional unit of movement. > > Tendons connect bone to muscle to make movement possible: The muscle contracts and pulls the bone that it's connected to Source(s) < : > Sinew is a synonym of tendon. As nouns the difference between sinew and tendon is that sinew is (anatomy) a cord or tendon of the body while tendon is (anatomy) a tough band of inelastic fibrous tissue that connects a muscle with its bony attachment. < > sinew = tendon < > A tendon (or sinew) is a [...] Is sinew a synonym for tendon, and if not what is the difference?

They get used somewhat interchangeably, which blurs the lines on the definitions.

When I had my anatomy classes, sinews were regarded as an inclusive class, which included both ligaments and tendons.

For the breakdown:

* Tendon: Fibrous tissue that connects muscle to bone.
* Ligament: Fibrous tissue that connects bone to bone.
* Sinew: Includes both of the above.