What type of brake system uses a hydraulic cylinder connected to each wheel to apply force?

The brake system that uses a hydraulic cylinder connected to each wheel to apply force is known as a hydraulic brake system. Hydraulic brakes operate using the principles of hydraulics, where pressure applied to a fluid in a confined space is transmitted uniformly throughout the fluid. In this system, when the brake pedal is pressed, it moves a piston within the master cylinder, which generates hydraulic pressure. This pressure travels through brake lines to the slave cylinders at each wheel, where it forces the brake mechanism (either disc or drum) to engage and bring the vehicle to a stop.

While disc brakes and drum brakes are types of brake systems, they can also incorporate hydraulic mechanisms. However, they are not specifically defined by the hydraulic component. Anti-lock brakes are a separate safety feature that prevents wheel lock-up during hard braking by using electronic controls, and they do not fit the definition provided in the question as they involve additional components beyond just the hydraulic braking system. Therefore, the best answer, indicating the use of a hydraulic cylinder to apply force to each wheel, is hydraulic brakes.