Intermediate tendon
Tendo intermedius
Definition
An intermediate tendon is a short, fibrous connective tissue segment that links two contractile (muscular) bellies within a single muscle. It is structurally similar to a regular tendon, composed mainly of dense regular connective tissue rich in parallel type I collagen fibres, providing strong tensile continuity between the muscle bellies.
The intermediate tendon allows independent contraction of each muscle belly, promotes efficient force transmission between separated contractile parts, and maintains muscle alignment during movement.
Examples
Digastric muscle – connecting the anterior and posterior bellies.
Omohyoid muscle – between the superior and inferior bellies.
References
Bordoni B, Black AC, Varacallo MA. Anatomy, Tendons. [Updated 2024 May 1]. In: StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; 2025 Jan-. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK513237/
Gray, H. (2016) Gray’s anatomy the anatomical basis of clinical practice. 41st edition. Edited by S. Standring. New York: Elsevier.
