Final answer:
A pulled muscle, or muscle strain, occurs when muscle fibers tear due to overstretching, and is susceptible to happen in areas like the hamstring. Tendons are more prone to injury because they are rigid and lack the elasticity that muscles have. Tendinitis is an example of how tendons can be susceptible to injury due to repetitive strain and lack of elasticity.
Step-by-step explanation:
What Is a Pulled Muscle?
A pulled muscle is an injury where muscle fibers tear due to overstretching. This condition is also known as a muscle strain or torn muscle. The symptoms of a pulled muscle can include pain, stiffness, and in some cases, bruising. A common site for such an injury is the hamstring, which is prevalent among athletes such as sprinters.
Why Are Tendons More Susceptible?
Tendons are more susceptible to injury compared to muscles because they lack elasticity and are rigid, which makes them prone to injury when a significant force is applied to bones. In contrast to muscles, which have the quality of elasticity that allows them to return to their original length when relaxed and have extensibility that enables them to stretch, tendons do not have these qualities to the same extent. Tendons, however, are strong and play a critical role in transferring the force generated by muscle contractions to bones, facilitating movement.
Example of Tendon Susceptibility
Tendinitis, an inflammation of a tendon, exemplifies the susceptibility of tendons. It is often caused by repetitive motions over time that strain the tendons. It manifests as pain and tenderness in the area around a joint. Without proper warm-up or stretching before engaging in physical activity, both muscle and tendon injuries, such as a pulled tendon, can occur, resulting in pain, swelling, and diminished function.