Certified Tissue Bank Specialist (CTBS) Practice Test

Which tendon is known to insert at the tibia?

1. The peroneus longus

2. The gracilis tendon

3. The Achilles tendon

4. The peroneus brevis

The correct answer is: The gracilis tendon

The gracilis tendon is known to insert at the tibia, specifically at a location called the pes anserinus, which is the conjoined tendons of three muscles on the medial side of the tibia. The gracilis, primarily a muscle of the inner thigh, functions in flexing the knee and assisting in adduction of the thigh. Its insertion point allows it to contribute to movements around the knee joint effectively, illustrating its significance in lower limb mechanics. The other tendons mentioned have different insertion points. The peroneus longus and the peroneus brevis tendons primarily insert on the lateral aspect of the foot, influencing movements such as eversion of the foot. The Achilles tendon, which is the strongest tendon in the body, inserts into the calcaneus (heel bone) and is crucial for plantar flexion of the foot. Understanding these anatomical details is important for recognizing the functional roles of these tendons in the musculoskeletal system.