Which connective tissue attaches muscles to bones and resists tensile stress in one direction?

Dense regular connective tissue is the correct answer because it is specifically designed to withstand tensile stress primarily in one direction, making it ideal for its function in the body. This type of tissue is composed of closely packed collagen fibers that are aligned parallel to each other. This organization allows it to effectively transmit the force generated by muscles to bones, ensuring that they work together efficiently during movement.

The arrangement of collagen fibers in dense regular connective tissue is crucial for its strength and resistance to stretching, which is particularly important in structures like tendons (which connect muscles to bones). When muscles contract, they create a pulling force, and dense regular connective tissue efficiently transfers this force to the skeleton, facilitating movement.

In contrast, loose connective tissue does not have the same density or organization of fibers and serves different functions, such as providing support and elasticity. Adipose tissue is involved in storing energy and providing insulation and cushioning, rather than providing tensile strength. Cartilage, while serving to connect bones at joints and providing a cushioning effect, does not have the same tensile properties as dense regular connective tissue.