Biomechnics unit 3 Biomech of the lower limb - deck 2 Flashcards
What is the largest and perhaps most complex joint in the human body?
The knee joint
What 2 articulations is the knee joint comprised of ?
- The tibiofemoral (between the proximal surface of the tibia and the distal surface of the femur)
- The patellofemoral (between the patella and the distal surface of femur).
Which of the two articulations of the knee joint allows most of the movement in the knee joint ?
- The tibiofemoral articulation
- The patellofemoral articulation acts in concert to assist this movement.
What is the shape of the proximal surface of the tibia and what is this surface covered by ?
The proximal surface of the tibia is flat and covered with the menisci
Describe the shape of the menisci of the knee and state what they are
They are two crescent shaped pieces of fibrocartilage
What are the menisci attached to the proximal surface of the tibia by ?
Short tough ligaments
What is the functions of the menisci of the knee ?
- They act as load distributors and shock absorbers. - primary functions
- The menisci also make the flat top of the tibia slightly concave which aids stability. - secondary function
What is the distal end of the femur formed by ?
It is formed by two circular-shaped condyles called the femoral condyles.

What are the femoral condyles covered in ?
Articular cartilage

What is the smooth anterior depression between the femoral condyles is called?
The trochlea

As you move posteriorly around the femoral bone what does the trochlea develop into?
The trochlea develops into the deep posterior depression between the femoral condyles called the intercondylar notch.

What is lodged in the intercondylar notch ?
The cruciate ligaments that help to bind the femur to the tibia,
Define what a sesamoid bone is
This is a bone found in a tendon
What is the largest sesamoid bone in the body ?
The patella (knee cap)
Where is the patella bone located ?
It is located in the tendon of the quadriceps femoris muscle.
Describe the posterior structure of the patella bone and state the functional relevance of this structure
The posterior surface of the patella has two smooth articular surfaces either side of a slight central ridge.
The two articular surfaces articulate with the respective femoral condyle. The ridge guides the patella along the groove between the femoral condyles as the knee joint flexes and extends.

Does the fibula form part of the knee joint ?
No
What does the fibula act as an anchor for ?
The biceps femoris muscle and lateral collateral ligament.
Like in the hip joint (ball and socket shape) does the shape of the boens of the knee contribute to the stability of the knee joint ?
No - they contribute very little stability
What structures mainly provide stability of the knee joint ?
The ligaments - mainly the cruciate and collateral ligaments
Within the knee joint what 2 ligaments are present ?
The anterior and posterior cruciate ligaments, they cross each other in the centre of the joint
What is the function of the anterior and posterior cruciate ligaments ?
They limit forward and backward sliding of the femur on the tibia and limit hyperextension
What is the knee joint surrounded by ?
A tough fibrous joint capsule which is thickened around the posterior on the medial and lateral sides.
Where do the collateral ligaments of the knee lie ?
Outside the joint capsule on the medial and lateral sides