Appendicular Skeleton Part 5 Flashcards

Femur

• Articulates with the acetabulum, forming a ball-and-socket joint for maximum movement.
• The head of the femur connects to the acetabulum.
• The neck of the femur angles downward and laterally, providing muscle attachment sites.

Trochanters

• Greater trochanter serves as an attachment point for lateral rotator muscles.
• Lesser trochanter is for the attachment of hip flexor muscles.

Knee Joint

• Medial and lateral condyles of the femur articulate with the tibia to form the knee joint.
• The patellar surface allows the patella to glide smoothly during knee movement.

Patella

• A small bone that aids in knee extension, improving leverage; it is contained within the quadriceps muscle group.

Tibia

• Connects with the medial and lateral condyles of the femur at the knee, providing structural support.
• The proximal end interacts with the femur, while the distal end articulates with the fibula.

Tibial Features

• Medial condyle of the tibia articulates with the femur to stabilize the knee joint.
• Lateral condyle of the tibia performs the same role as the medial condyle.
• Tibial tuberosity serves as the attachment site for the patellar ligament.

Ankle Support

• The medial malleolus of the tibia provides medial stability to the ankle.
• Fibula articulates with the tibia, contributing to both proximal and distal support.

Fibula

• The head of the fibula connects to the tibia.
• The lateral malleolus supports the ankle laterally.

Hip Joint

• The hip is a ball-and-socket joint that allows for substantial movement; more stable due to a deeper socket compared to the shoulder joint.
• Movements include abduction, adduction, flexion, extension, and both medial and lateral rotation.

Movements of the Femur

• Abduction involves moving the femur laterally away from the body.
• Adduction brings the femur medially toward the body.
• Flexion moves the femur anteriorly, while extension moves it posteriorly.
• Rotation refers to spinning the femur within the acetabulum, with internal rotation turning the knee inward and external rotation turning it outward.

Knee Joint Mechanics

• The knee joint functions as a hinge joint, primarily allowing flexion and extension.
• It forms as the distal articular surface of the femur connects with the tibia and patella.
• Small degrees of rotation are possible during knee locking.

Tibiofibular Connections

• The fibula articulates with the tibia throughout its length via an interosseous membrane, ensuring immobility at those points.

Test your knowledge of the appendicular skeleton with these flashcards focusing on the femur. Dive into the anatomy of the femur including its head, neck, and joint articulations. Perfect for students studying human anatomy and physiology.