Knee Anatomy and Ligaments Quiz

A joint that allows free movement, enclosed by a fibrous capsule and synovial membrane. The membrane secretes lubricating fluid. The ends of bones are covered in hyaline cartilage and separated by a joint cavity.

The largest synovial joint in the body, composed of two joints: the tibiofemoral joint and the patellofemoral joint. It's a modified hinge joint that's remarkably stable, especially when straight.

A type of cartilage found in synovial joints, helps absorb and redistribute force, and is attached to the bone ends by the joint capsule, MCL, and the transverse ligament.

Crescent-shaped wedges of fibrocartilage that fit between the bone ends in the knee joint. They protect and stabilize the knee, help lubricate it, and the medial meniscus is bigger than the lateral meniscus.

Fibrous cords that connect bones, ligaments in the knee include the intracapsular ligaments (ACL & PCL, transverse ligament) and ligaments outside of the joint capsule.

These are intracapsular ligaments within the joint capsule of the knee, responsible for maintaining knee stability. They're important for preventing excessive forward and backward movement.

A joint formed between the patella and the femur, aids in extending the knee and provides stability during movement

A mechanism that contributes to knee stability, particularly during extension. It involves the tightening of the ligaments and the locking of the femur onto the tibia.

A structure located at the anterior tibial intercondylar area, extending upwards and backwards to the posterolateral femoral intercondylar notch. Prevents the tibia from moving forward relative to the femur, controls rotation, and aids in pivoting.

A ligament situated at the posterior tibial intercondylar area, extending upwards and forwards to the anterior medial femoral intercondylar notch. Prevents the tibia from sliding backwards on the femur, restricts hyperextension, and controls rotation.

A strong band of tissue extending from the medial epicondyle of the femur to the anteromedial tibial condyle, also attaching to the medial meniscus. Provides medial stability to the knee.

A thin, cord-like structure originating from the lateral epicondyle of the femur, extending to the head of the fibula, and passing over the popliteus tendon. It does not attach to the lateral meniscus. Provides lateral stability to the knee.

Connects the anterior horns of the medial and lateral menisci. Its role is to limit their movement.

Thick fibrous tissue continuous with the periosteum, forming a protective covering around the knee joint. It is generally thicker at the sides and thinner anteriorly and posteriorly. Allows free anterior-posterior motion of the knee.

Ligaments that extend from the base of the medial and lateral menisci to the tibial plateau, helping to secure them in place.

A strong ligament that runs from the patella (kneecap) to the tibial tuberosity. It connects to the quadriceps tendon and plays a major role in knee extension.

A strong ligament that originates from the posterior head of the fibula and forms a Y-shaped fan that attaches to the tibial intercondylar area. It passes over the popliteus muscle tendon, strengthening the posterolateral area of the joint capsule.

A ligament that provides strength to the posterior joint capsule of the knee. It originates from the femur and attaches to the tibia, limiting the knee's ability to hyperextend. It's important for preventing excessive backward movement of the tibia.

A ligament that runs along the inside of the knee, connecting the femur to the tibia. It helps to prevent excessive medial (inward) movement of the tibia in relation to the femur.

A ligament that connects the head of the fibula to the lateral condyle of the tibia, strengthening the lateral side of the knee joint and preventing excessive lateral (outward) movement of the tibia.

The main joint of the knee, it allows the lower leg to swing back and forth. It joins the femur to the tibia, allowing for flexion and extension, which enables movement like walking and running.

The act of straightening the knee, a movement that's crucial for standing, walking, and running. Various muscles work together to achieve this extension.

The group of muscles that extend (straighten) the knee.

The group of muscles that flex (bend) the knee.

The muscle that unlocks the knee by externally rotating the femur. It controls the locking mechanism by slowing internal rotation during extension.

The area behind the knee, containing nerves, arteries, and veins.

The large bone that forms the lower leg, below the knee.

A condition where the knee hyperextends beyond its normal range of motion, often caused by ligament laxity or muscle weakness.

Also known as "knock knees", this condition involves an inward deviation of the knees, causing the lower legs to be closer to the body than normal.

Also known as "bow legs", this condition involves an outward deviation of the knees, resulting in the lower legs being more widely spaced.

A condition where the patella seems to "squint" inwards due to excessive internal rotation of the thigh and/or a tight lateral retinaculum.

A softening and degeneration of the cartilage on the back of the kneecap (patella), often caused by overuse or abnormal patellar tracking.

This refers to any movement of the patella that deviates from its normal position, often causing pain and instability.

When the patella completely dislocates from its groove in the femur, causing severe pain and instability.

A muscle that helps stabilize the patella and prevents it from moving laterally during knee extension. Weakness of this muscle can contribute to patellar instability.

A posterior protrusion of the synovial membrane, appearing as swelling in the back of the knee, especially when the knee is bent or standing. It can happen spontaneously or be linked with rheumatoid arthritis.

Injuries to these ligaments often occur when the leg is restricted from moving, and the thigh rotates excessively inwards or outwards.

A test for ACL injury. With the knee bent at 90 degrees, a controlled pull on the lower leg forwards (anteriorly) assesses the amount of movement. A too-large movement or a lack of resistance indicates a possible ACL tear.

Evaluates the PCL (Posterior Cruciate Ligament) by testing the extent of backward (posterior) movement of the tibia with the knee bent. An excessive amount of backward movement suggests a PCL injury.

A test for ACL injury. With the knee slightly bent (30 degrees), the tibia is pulled forward to check for excessive movement and a firm endpoint. A lack of a firm endpoint or excessive movement indicates a potential ACL tear.