What term is used for a place where a tendon or ligament attaches to a bone?

The term used for a place where a tendon or ligament attaches to a bone is called "insertion." This designation refers specifically to the point where muscles, via their tendons, connect and exert force on the bone, facilitating movement. Understanding this is important in the context of anatomy and biomechanics, as the insertion point often plays a critical role in the range of motion and effectiveness of muscle contractions.

In contrast, the term "origin" refers to the attachment point of a muscle at its more proximal end, which typically does not move during muscle contraction. A "joint" denotes the anatomical structure that connects two bones, allowing movement, but it does not refer specifically to where tendons or ligaments attach. Lastly, "protrusion" describes something that sticks out or extends beyond a surface and is unrelated to the attachment of tendons or ligaments to bones.