Final answer:
A mass dense of connective tissue that connects skeletal muscle to bone is known as a tendon, which is essential for transferring muscle contractions to bone movement.
Step-by-step explanation:
A mass dense of connective tissue that connects a skeletal muscle to a bone is called a tendon. Tendons are vital components in the muscular system, acting as the bridge between muscles and bones, enabling the movement of the skeleton due to muscle contractions.
Skeletal muscles are attached to bones via strong bands of connective tissue known as tendons. These structures are responsible for transferring the tension from muscle contractions to the bones, leading to the movement of the body. The composition of a tendon includes several layers of connective tissue—epimysium, which wraps the whole muscle, perimysium, which groups muscle fibers into fascicles, and endomysium, which surrounds individual muscle fibers.
When a muscle contracts, it shortens, pulling on the tendon, which in turn pulls on the bone to which it is attached. This process is fundamental for locomotion and numerous other movements. The strength and resilience of tendons are crucial since they must withstand significant mechanical stress during muscle contractions.