9.5 The Knee Joint Overview

Question 1

True or false: the menicsci completely separate the articular cartilage of the tibia and femur; these two articular surfaces don’t directly touch

Answer 1

• False
• The menisci are C-shpaed; the two articualr surfaces touch within the middle of the knee joint

Question 2

Which of the ACL/PCL run to the medial/lateral condyle of the femur?

Answer 2

ACL: Lateral
PCL: Medial

Question 3

What is meant by joint congruency?

Answer 3

• Same as regular word
• How well joint surfaces match with one another

Question 4

What kind of cartilage are the menisci made of in the knee?

Answer 4

Fibrocartilage

Question 5

Describe the difference in shape between the medial and lateral menisci of the knee

Answer 5

• Medial: larger, C-shaped, more mobile
• Lateral: smaller, almost round, less mobile

Question 6

Which direction of movement of the femur/tibia do the ACL/PCL prevent?

Answer 6

ACL: Anterior tibia/posterior femur

PCL: Posterior tibia/anterior femur

(Named based on attachment to tibia; movement corresponds to tibia movement)