Tendon cell Tendon cell Tendon cells, or tenocytes, are elongated fibroblast type cells. The cytoplasm is stretched between the collagen fibres of the tendon. They have a central cell nucleus with a prominent nucleolus. Tendon cells have a well-developed rough endoplasmic reticulum and they are responsible for synthesis and turnover of tendon fibres and ground substance. Tendon cells form a connecting epithelial layer between the muscle and shell in molluscs. In gastropods, for example, the retractor muscles connect to the shell via tendon cells. Muscle cells are attached to the collagenous myo-tendon space via hemidesmosomes. The myo-tendon space is then attached to
Quadriceps tendon Quadriceps tendon In human anatomy, the quadriceps tendon allows the quadriceps femoris muscles ("rectus femoris, vastus lateralis, vastus medialis, and vastus intermedius") to converge on the superior aspects of the patella on the anterior of the thigh, which continues as the patellar ligament. A tendon connects muscle to bone, while a ligament connects bone to bone. The quadriceps tendon works with the quadriceps to extend the leg. Injuries are common to this tendon, with tears, either partial or complete, being the most common. If the quadriceps tendon is completely torn, surgery will be required to regain function of the knee.