Strains refer to the overstretching and excessive work of which body component?

Strains specifically involve injuries related to muscles. They occur when a muscle fibers are overstretched or torn due to excessive force or repetitive use. This can happen during various physical activities, especially when lifting heavy objects or engaging in sports without proper warm-up or conditioning.

In understanding why muscles are the correct answer, it is essential to recognize that although joints, ligaments, and tendons can experience injuries or stress, these would be categorized differently. Joints relate to the connections between bones, ligaments connect bones to other bones, and tendons connect muscles to bones. Strains distinctly pertain to the muscles themselves, highlighting their role in movement and activity.