Knee joint

Knee joint

The knee joint is one of the most complex joints in the human body. It is a hinge joint that connects the thigh bone (femur) to the shin bone (tibia). The smaller bone that runs alongside the tibia, the fibula, and the kneecap (patella) are the other bones that make up the knee joint.

Anatomy

The knee joint is made up of four main components: bones, ligaments, tendons, and cartilage.

Bones

The knee joint is formed by three bones: the femur, the tibia, and the patella. The femur is the large bone in the thigh, and the tibia is the larger bone in the lower leg. The patella, or kneecap, is a flat, round bone that protects the front of the knee joint.

Ligaments

There are four main ligaments in the knee that provide stability to the joint. These are the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL), posterior cruciate ligament (PCL), medial collateral ligament (MCL), and lateral collateral ligament (LCL).

Tendons

Tendons connect muscles to bones. The two main tendons in the knee are the quadriceps tendon and the patellar tendon.

Cartilage

There are two types of cartilage in the knee. The meniscus is a thick, rubbery cartilage that acts as a shock absorber between the femur and tibia. The articular cartilage is a smooth, slippery substance that covers the ends of the bones and allows them to glide smoothly against each other.

Function

The knee joint is responsible for the movement of the lower leg, including bending, straightening, and rotating. It also supports the weight of the body and absorbs shock.

Diseases and conditions

There are many diseases and conditions that can affect the knee joint, including arthritis, meniscus tears, ligament injuries, and knee bursitis. Treatment for these conditions can range from physical therapy and medication to surgery.

See also

• Anatomy of the human body
• Orthopedics
• Rheumatology

Knee joint Resources
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