The Human Body

Achilles Tendon

Achilles Tendon, in the legs of mammals, powerful, cordlike band of connective tissue that joins the fused muscles of the calf to the bone of the heel. Because bones are moved by muscles pulling on the connecting tendon, severance or rupture of the Achilles tendon results in immediate loss of the normal use of the leg and foot. The name of the tendon is derived from the legendary Greek warrior Achilles.