Knee Joint Anatomy Quiz

Knee Joint Anatomy

• Cruciate Ligaments:

  • Anterior Cruciate Ligament (ACL): Originates from the anterior medial intercondylar eminence of the tibia, runs upwards, backwards, and outwards to the lateral femoral condyle.
  • Posterior Cruciate Ligament (PCL): Originates from the posterior intercondylar eminence of the tibia, runs upwards, forwards, and inwards to the medial aspect of the femoral condyle.

• Major Joints:

  • Tibiofemoral Joint: The true knee joint, formed between the tibia and femur.
  • Patellofemoral Joint: Formed between the patella and femur.
  • Superior Tibiofibular Joint: Located on the lateral side of the knee.

• Palpation Points:

  • Patella Femoral: Easier to palpate in knee extension.
  • Patella: Apex and base palpable; hold base when palpating apex.
  • Tibial Tuberosity: Palpable, part of the tibiofemoral joint.
  • Femoral Epicondyles: Lateral and medial projections palpable; attachment for MCL and LCL.
  • Abductor Tubercle: Superior to medial epicondyle.
  • MCL: Easier to palpate with the leg flexed; originates from the medial epicondyle and inserts on the tibial tuberosity.
  • LCL: Originates from the lateral epicondyle and inserts on the head of the fibula.

Muscles of the Thigh - Anterior Compartment

• Vastus Medialis:

  • Proximal attachment: Intertrochanteric line, between greater and lesser trochanters.
  • Easiest to see in extension and internal rotation.
  • Main role: Last 10 degrees of knee extension.

• Rectus Femoris:

  • Proximal attachment: Anterior inferior iliac spine and superior aspect of the acetabulum.
  • Inserts on the superior aspect of the base of the patella.
  • Function: Knee extension; assists in hip flexion (with iliopsoas).

• Vastus Lateralis:

  • Proximal attachment: Between the greater and lesser trochanters; lip of the linea aspera.
  • Opposite attachment points to vastus medialis.

• Vastus Intermedialis:

  • Located underneath the rectus femoris.
  • Inserts onto the patella via the quadriceps femoris tendon.
  • Originates from the anterior and lateral surface of the femoral shaft.

• Sartorius:

  • Longest muscle, crosses both hip and knee joints.
  • Originates from the anterior superior iliac spine, inserts on the medial side of the tibia.
  • Function: Weakly moves hip and knee joints; usually synergistic to assist agonist muscles.

Muscles of the Thigh - Posterior Compartment

• Biceps Femoris:

  • Proximal attachment: Ischial tuberosity, lateral side.
  • Inserts on the head of the fibula.
  • Easiest to palpate with the knee in flexion.
  • Function: Hip extension and external rotation, knee flexion.

• Semimembranosus:

  • Proximal attachment: Ischial tuberosity.
  • Inserts on the medial aspect of the tibia.
  • Easiest to see in knee flexion.
  • Function: Hip extension, knee flexion, medial knee rotation.

• Semitendinosus:

  • Proximal attachment: Ischial tuberosity.
  • Inserts on the medial side of the tibia.
  • Function: Hip extension, internal rotation, knee flexion, internal rotation.

• Gracilis:

  • Most superficial muscle on the medial side of the thigh.
  • Originates from the inferior ischiopubic ramus.
  • Inserts on the medial tibia at the pes anserinus (below the patella).

Test your knowledge on the anatomy of the knee joint, including the crucial cruciate ligaments and the major joints involved. This quiz covers palpation points and structural details that are essential for understanding knee mechanics and injuries. Perfect for students and professionals in anatomy and physical therapy.