Knee Anatomy
Ernest F. Talarico, Jr., Ph.D.
Associate Director of Medical Education
Associate Professor and Course Director, Human Gross
Anatomy & Embryology
Coordinator, Anatomical Education Program
Indiana University School of Medicine-Northwest
AY14-15
Knee Joint
• The most complex joint in the
body. Femur round, tibia flat.
• Comprised of 3 bones.
– Femur
– Tibia
– patella
Femur
• Medial and
Lateral
Condylesdistal ends of
the femur.
Patella
• Patella tendonattaches to the
anterior of the
tibia.
• Quadriceps
tendon-attaches
the quadriceps to
the patella.
Cruciate Ligaments
•
Major
stabilizing
ligaments in
the knee
•
Anterior
Cruciate
Ligament
(ACL)prevents the
tibia from
sliding out in
front of the
femur
•
Injuries
caused by
hyperflexion
Cruciate Ligaments
• Posterior Cruciate
Ligament (PCL)-It
prevents the tibia
from sliding
backwards under
the femur.
• Injuries usually
caused by
Hyperextension
Collateral Ligament
• Medial Collateral
Ligament (MCL)connect the tibia
and the femur.
• A force from the
lateral side could
cause a tear.
Collateral Ligament
• Lateral Collateral
Ligament (LCL)connect the fibula
to the femur.
• A force from the
medial side can
cause a tear of
the LCL
Cartilage
• Articulate
Cartilage-covers
the moving parts
of the knee.
• Chronic damage
to articulate
cartilage leads to
arthritis.
Cartilage
• Meniscus- half
moon shaped
cartilage lying
between the knee
joint.
Meniscus Tear
• Surgery
• Chronic Arthritis
Knee Injuries
• ACL
Replace
ment
surgery.