Final answer:
An aponeurosis is a broad, sheetlike tendon-like structure that allows muscles to attach indirectly to bones, serving as a key element in the transmission of muscular force for skeletal movement.
Step-by-step explanation:
The term aponeurosis refers to a sheetlike indirect attachment to a skeletal element. An aponeurosis is a broad, tendon-like sheet of connective tissue that serves as an attachment point for muscles. It plays a critical role in the function of skeletal muscles by enabling the transfer of the force generated by muscle contractions to bones, thereby facilitating movement.
For example, in the lower back, the latissimus dorsi muscles are connected to the bones via an aponeurosis, which is capable of transferring the tension created by muscle fibers through the connective tissue to the bones for skeletal movement.