Anatomy of
The Knee
Your knee is
a complex joint. The knee is made up of the bottom of the large
thigh bone (femur) and the top of the shinbone (tibia). Between
the femur and the tibia is a tough tissue called cartilage. This
tissue covers the bone and helps reduce friction during joint movement.
Pads of cartilage called menisci act as cushioning to distribute
excessive forces and weight. The joint is protected by a rounded,
shield like bone called the patella (kneecap). The patella also
give muscles support needed to bend and flex. The entire joint is
held in place by several ligaments and tendons.
Quadricep
Muscles
Large muscles at the front of the thigh that holds the patella against
the thighbone.
Patella
(kneecap)
Protects the knee joint and through tendons and ligaments supports
the leg muscles.
Patella
Tendon
Attaches the patella to the tibia (shinbone).
Menisci
Cartilage pads that help distribute weight and force.
LIGAMENTS
OF THE KNEE
The entire joint in the knee is held in place several ligaments
and tendons. The ligaments and tendons that hold the knee joint
in place have very different functions. Ligaments help to control
the knee motion by connecting the bones together and stabilizing
the knee joint. Tendons join the muscles to bones. The knee joint
is cushioned by cartilage, which also helps the knee absorb shock
during motion.
A. LCL
Lateral Collateral Ligament limits sideway motion and runs along
the outside of the knee.
B. ACL
Anterior Cruciate Ligament limits rotation and the forward motion
of the tibia. Crosses from the back of the femur to the front of
the tibia.
C. MCL
Medial Collateral Ligament limits sideway motion and runs along
the sideway motion and runs along the inside of the knee joint.
D. PCL
Posterior Cruciate Ligament limits backward motion of the tibia.
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