Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jul 14, 2026
06:06
Tissue Collection and RNA Extraction from the Human Osteoarthritic Knee Joint
Published on: July 22, 2021
[Ligaments of the knee]
1Anatomische Anstalt, Lehrstuhl I, Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität, Pettenkoferstrasse 11, 80336 München. reinhard.putz@med.uni-muenchen.de
Der Orthopade
|June 15, 2007
Summary
The knee
Area of Science:
- Orthopedics
- Anatomy
- Biomechanics
Context:
- The knee joint is a complex structure crucial for locomotion.
- Understanding knee ligament anatomy is essential for diagnosing and treating injuries.
- Ligaments provide stability against various stresses during movement.
Purpose:
- To categorize and describe the major knee ligament complexes.
- To detail the anatomical components of the posteromedial and posterolateral complexes.
- To explain the role of the cruciate ligaments in knee kinematics.
Summary:
- Knee ligaments are grouped into four categories: patellar retinaculae, posteromedial complex, posterolateral complex, and cruciate ligaments.
- The posteromedial complex (medial collateral ligament, semimembranosus tendon, etc.) resists valgus stress.
- The posterolateral complex (lateral collateral ligament, popliteus tendon, etc.) resists varus stress, while cruciate ligaments manage femoral-tibial contact during flexion-extension.
Impact:
- Provides a clear anatomical framework for knee ligament structures.
- Enhances understanding of knee joint stability mechanisms.
- Aids in the diagnosis and surgical repair of knee ligament injuries.
Related Concept Videos
01:23Knee Joint
The knee joint is the most complicated joint in the body. It consists of three articulations– two tibiofemoral and one patellofemoral. As is characteristic of synovial joints, the knee joint has a thin articular capsule that partially surrounds this joint cavity. Additionally, several ligaments, muscles, and cartilaginous structures support the movement of the knee.
A total of seven ligaments support the knee joint. The patellar ligament, which is also attached to the quadriceps femoris group...
A total of seven ligaments support the knee joint. The patellar ligament, which is also attached to the quadriceps femoris group...
01:16Bones of the Lower Limb: Femur and Patella
The femur is the body's longest and strongest bone spanning the thigh region. Its head articulates with the acetabulum of the hip bone to form the hip joint. A minor indentation on the medial side of the femoral head, called the fovea capitis, serves as the site of attachment for the ligament of the head of the femur. This weak ligament spans the femur and acetabulum and supports the hip joint. The narrowed region below the head is the neck of the femur. The inclination angle between the neck...
01:23Muscles that Move the Leg
The movement of the legs is facilitated by numerous muscles located within the anterior, medial, and posterior compartments of the thigh.
Anterior Compartment
The quadriceps femoris, the most visible muscle of the anterior compartment, is integral for leg extension and thigh flexion. It is formed by merging four distinct muscles — the vastus lateralis, vastus medialis, vastus intermedius, and rectus femoris. The quadriceps tendon, a shared tendon of the four quadriceps muscles, is affixed to...
Anterior Compartment
The quadriceps femoris, the most visible muscle of the anterior compartment, is integral for leg extension and thigh flexion. It is formed by merging four distinct muscles — the vastus lateralis, vastus medialis, vastus intermedius, and rectus femoris. The quadriceps tendon, a shared tendon of the four quadriceps muscles, is affixed to...
01:10Ankle Joint
The ankle is formed by the talocrural joint (crural = leg). It consists of the articulations between the talus bone of the foot and the distal ends of the tibia and fibula of the leg. The superior aspect of the talus bone is square-shaped and has three areas of articulation. The top of the talus articulates with the inferior tibia. This is the portion of the ankle joint that carries the body weight between the leg and foot. The sides of the talus are firmly held in position by the articulations...
01:10Bones of the Lower Limb: Tibia and Fibula
The tibia is the main weight-bearing bone of the lower leg. It is larger than the fibula with which it is paired. The tibia is also the second longest bone in the body and is located right below the skin. The proximal end of the tibia forms the medial and the lateral condyle, which articulates with the condyles of the femur to form the knee joint. Between the articulating surfaces is the irregular elevated area known as the intercondylar eminence that serves as the inferior attachment point for...
01:20Muscles that Move the Thigh
The thigh's motion is primarily governed by muscles originating in the pelvic girdle and inserted into the femur. One crucial muscle, the iliopsoas, is a combination of the psoas major and the iliacus muscles, sharing a common insertion point on the lesser trochanter of the femur.
Three other significant muscles are the gluteus maximus, gluteus medius, and gluteus minimus. The gluteus maximus originates from the posterior surface of the ilium, sacrum, and coccyx, and the thoracolumbar fascia...
Three other significant muscles are the gluteus maximus, gluteus medius, and gluteus minimus. The gluteus maximus originates from the posterior surface of the ilium, sacrum, and coccyx, and the thoracolumbar fascia...