Articular capsule of the knee joint
Articular Capsule of the Knee Joint
The Articular Capsule of the Knee Joint, also known as the capsular ligament, is a complex structure that encloses the knee joint. It plays a crucial role in the stability and function of the knee, providing both passive and active mechanisms of support. The capsule is composed of fibrous tissue and synovial membrane, which work together to protect and lubricate the joint.
Structure[edit | edit source]
The articular capsule of the knee is a spacious and loose-fitting envelope that surrounds the knee joint. It is attached proximally to the margins of the femur and distally to the tibia and fibula. The capsule is thicker and stronger on the sides than in the front and back, reflecting the need for lateral stability in the knee. It is divided into two layers: an outer fibrous layer and an inner synovial membrane.
Fibrous Layer[edit | edit source]
The fibrous layer of the capsule is made up of dense connective tissue. It is reinforced by the tendons of muscles around the knee, including the quadriceps femoris in the front and the hamstrings at the back. This layer provides mechanical strength to the capsule and serves as an attachment site for other knee ligaments.
Synovial Membrane[edit | edit source]
The synovial membrane lines the inner surface of the capsule, excluding the areas where the articular cartilages and menisci are found. It secretes synovial fluid, a lubricating liquid that reduces friction between the moving parts of the knee joint and nourishes the articular cartilage.
Function[edit | edit source]
The primary function of the articular capsule of the knee is to enclose and protect the knee joint. It maintains the joint's stability by restricting excessive movements and by its intrinsic tension. The capsule also plays a role in proprioception, helping the body to sense the position of the knee in space.
Clinical Significance[edit | edit source]
Injuries to the articular capsule of the knee, such as sprains or tears, can lead to instability, pain, and swelling. Conditions like osteoarthritis can also affect the capsule, leading to stiffness and reduced mobility. Treatment for capsule-related issues may include physical therapy, medication, or surgery, depending on the severity of the condition.
See Also[edit | edit source]
 | This anatomy article is a stub. You can help WikiMD by expanding it. |
Search WikiMD
Ad.Tired of being Overweight? Try W8MD's physician weight loss program.
Semaglutide (Ozempic / Wegovy and Tirzepatide (Mounjaro / Zepbound) available.
Advertise on WikiMD
|
WikiMD's Wellness Encyclopedia |
| Let Food Be Thy Medicine Medicine Thy Food - Hippocrates |
Translate this page: - East Asian
中文,
日本,
한국어,
South Asian
हिन्दी,
தமிழ்,
తెలుగు,
Urdu,
ಕನ್ನಡ,
Southeast Asian
Indonesian,
Vietnamese,
Thai,
မြန်မာဘာသာ,
বাংলা
European
español,
Deutsch,
français,
Greek,
português do Brasil,
polski,
română,
русский,
Nederlands,
norsk,
svenska,
suomi,
Italian
Middle Eastern & African
عربى,
Turkish,
Persian,
Hebrew,
Afrikaans,
isiZulu,
Kiswahili,
Other
Bulgarian,
Hungarian,
Czech,
Swedish,
മലയാളം,
मराठी,
ਪੰਜਾਬੀ,
ગુજરાતી,
Portuguese,
Ukrainian
Medical Disclaimer: WikiMD is not a substitute for professional medical advice. The information on WikiMD is provided as an information resource only, may be incorrect, outdated or misleading, and is not to be used or relied on for any diagnostic or treatment purposes. Please consult your health care provider before making any healthcare decisions or for guidance about a specific medical condition. WikiMD expressly disclaims responsibility, and shall have no liability, for any damages, loss, injury, or liability whatsoever suffered as a result of your reliance on the information contained in this site. By visiting this site you agree to the foregoing terms and conditions, which may from time to time be changed or supplemented by WikiMD. If you do not agree to the foregoing terms and conditions, you should not enter or use this site. See full disclaimer.
Credits:Most images are courtesy of Wikimedia commons, and templates Wikipedia, licensed under CC BY SA or similar.
Contributors: Prab R. Tumpati, MD
