Knee Joint Flashcards

Questions and Answers

What is the structural classification of the knee joint?

synovial

How many axes does the knee joint move in?

The knee joint allows flexion, extension, and rotation. Therefore, it is classified as a?

modified hinge joint

Which three bones make up the knee joint?

femur, patella, tibia Signup and view all the answers

The '_ __' surface is longer and narrower than the lateral condyle.

medial condyle Signup and view all the answers

Of the two menisci in the knee joint, which one is larger?

medial Signup and view all the answers

What are the menisci composed of?

fibrocartilage Signup and view all the answers

Which capsular ligament attaches from the lateral femoral epicondyle to the head of the fibula?

lateral collateral ligament Signup and view all the answers

What type of ligaments are the LCL and MCL?

extracapsular Signup and view all the answers

Which capsular ligament attaches from the medial femoral epicondyle to the medial surface of the tibia?

medial collateral ligament Signup and view all the answers

Valgus stress is stress from the '_____' aspect on the knee joint and tests which ligament.

lateral Signup and view all the answers

What ligament does valgus stress test?

medial collateral ligament Signup and view all the answers

Varus stress is stress from the '_____' aspect on the knee joint and tests which ligament.

medial Signup and view all the answers

What ligament does varus stress test?

lateral collateral ligament Signup and view all the answers

The two cruciate ligaments of the knee joint are what?

extrasynovial Signup and view all the answers

Which ligament originates from the anterior aspect of the intercondylar eminence of the tibia?

anterior cruciate ligament Signup and view all the answers

Which ligament originates from the posterior aspect of the intercondylar eminence of the tibia?

posterior cruciate ligament Signup and view all the answers

Which structure attaches to the periphery of the menisci to the tibial plateau both anteriorly and posteriorly?

coronary ligament Signup and view all the answers

Which structure joins the anterior edges of the menisci and anchors them to the anterior of the tibia?

transverse ligament of the knee Signup and view all the answers

What does the transverse ligament of the knee allow?

simultaneous movement of the lateral and medial menisci Signup and view all the answers

Which ligament runs from the posterior horn of the lateral meniscus to the lateral aspect of the medial femoral condyle?

posterior meniscofemoral ligament Signup and view all the answers

70% of knees have either an '_ _' or a ' __ '.

posterior meniscofemoral ligament, anterior meniscofemoral ligament Signup and view all the answers

Which ligament strengthens the knee joint capsule posteriorly?

oblique popliteal ligament Signup and view all the answers

The arcuate popliteal ligament contributes to what kind of stability of the knee?

posterior lateral Signup and view all the answers

The synovial membrane excludes which two ligaments?

ACL, PCL Signup and view all the answers

Bursa between the skin and patella anteriorly?

prepatellar bursa Signup and view all the answers

Bursa between the patellar tendon and the tibia?

deep infrapatellar bursa Signup and view all the answers

Bursa between the patellar tendon and skin?

superficial infrapatellar bursa Signup and view all the answers

Bursa above the patella that communicates with the synovial cavity?

supra patellar bursa Signup and view all the answers

Which structure reinforces the knee joint anteriorly?

tendon of the quadriceps Signup and view all the answers

Which structure(s) reinforce the knee joint posteriorly?

arcuate popliteal ligament, oblique popliteal ligament Signup and view all the answers

What movement can the knee do when flexed?

rotation Signup and view all the answers

Explain the screw home mechanism.

Medial femoral condyle is 1cm longer than the lateral femoral condyle. During extension, the femoral condyles roll on the tibia, using up the lateral surface first. Then the femur medially rotates and continues on the medial condyle. The screw home mechanism is an energy efficient posture when standing. Signup and view all the answers

What type of rotation in the knee joint occurs when the foot is fixed (weight bearing)?

medial rotation of the femur on the tibia Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Knee Joint Overview

Structural classification: synovial joint.
Movement: allows flexion, extension, and rotation; classified as a modified hinge joint.
Movement axes: 2 axes of movement.

Bone Structure

Composed of three bones: femur, patella, and tibia.
The medial condyle surface is longer and narrower than the lateral condyle.

Menisci

Two menisci present, with the medial meniscus being larger.
Composed of fibrocartilage.

Ligaments

Lateral collateral ligament (LCL) connects from the lateral femoral epicondyle to the head of the fibula.
Medial collateral ligament (MCL) connects from the medial femoral epicondyle to the medial surface of the tibia.
Both LCL and MCL are classified as extracapsular ligaments.

Stress and Stability

Valgus stress: applied from the lateral aspect, testing the medial collateral ligament.
Varus stress: applied from the medial aspect, testing the lateral collateral ligament.
Cruciate ligaments are extrasynovial.

Cruciate Ligaments

Anterior cruciate ligament (ACL): originates from the anterior aspect of the intercondylar eminence of the tibia, attaching to the medial aspect of the lateral condyle of the femur.
Posterior cruciate ligament (PCL): originates from the posterior aspect of the intercondylar eminence of the tibia, attaching to the lateral aspect of the medial condyle of the femur.

Additional Structures and Functions

Coronary ligament: connects the periphery of the menisci to the tibial plateau.
Transverse ligament: joins the anterior edges of the menisci, allowing simultaneous movement of both menisci.
Posterior meniscofemoral ligament connects the posterior horn of the lateral meniscus to the medial femoral condyle.

Joint Capsule and Bursa

The oblique popliteal ligament reinforces the knee joint capsule posteriorly, while the arcuate popliteal ligament contributes to posterolateral stability.
The synovial membrane excludes the ACL and PCL.
Notable bursae:
- Prepatellar bursa: located between the skin and patella.
- Deep infrapatellar bursa: between the patellar tendon and tibia.
- Superficial infrapatellar bursa: between the patellar tendon and skin.
- Suprapatellar bursa: above the patella, communicating with the synovial cavity.

Movement Mechanics

Flexed knee allows for rotation.
Screw home mechanism: due to the medial femoral condyle being 1cm longer than the lateral, leading to medial rotation of the femur during knee extension. This mechanism promotes energy-efficient posture when standing.
When the foot is fixed (weight-bearing), a medial rotation of the femur on the tibia occurs.

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Description

Test your knowledge on the anatomy and physiology of the knee joint with these flashcards. The quiz covers structural classification, movement axes, and the bones involved in the knee joint. Perfect for students of anatomy and medical professionals alike.