knee Flashcards
2 functions of knee joint
- articulation between femur and tibia, weight-bearing
- articulation between patella and femur, allows pull of quadriceps femoris muscle to be
directed anteriorly over the knee to the tibia without tendon wear
function of the two fibrocartilaginous menisci
accomodate changes in shape of the articular surfaces during joint movements
where are the two fibrocartilaginous menisci situated
between the femoral condyles and tibia on each side
what type of joint is the knee
hinge joint
which 2 main movements does the knee joint allow
- flexion
- extension
why does the knee joint have a ‘locking’ mechanism
to reduce the amount of muscle energy required to keep the joint extended when standing
what do the cruciate ligaments interconnect
the adjacent ends of the femur and tibia (and they maintain their opposed position during movement)
what type of cartilage are the articular surfaces of the knee joint covered with
hyaline cartilage
which two major articular surfaces are involved in the knee joint
- the two femoral condyles
- the adjacent surfaces of the superior aspect of the tibial condyles
which 2 elements enclose the joint surfaces of the knee
- the articular cavity
- the intraarticular menisci between the femoral and tibial condyles
which are the articular surfaces between the femur and the patella
- V-shaped trench on anterior surface of distal end of femur where the two condyles join
- adjacent surfaces on posterior aspect of patella
what are the two menisci called
- medial meniscus
- laterral meniscus
what are the 2 menisci
fibrocartilagionous C-shaped cartilages
which meniscus is more mobile
the lateral meniscus
what is the medial meniscus attached to around its margin
- capsule of the joint
- tibial collateral ligament
what interconnects the menisci anteriorly
a transverse ligament of the knee
from which muscle is the tendon that is connected with the lateral meniscus
the popliteus muscle
where does the tendon of the popliteus muscle pass to inseert on the femur
superolaterally beteen the meniscus and the capsule
function of menisci
improve congruency between femoral and tibal condyles during joint movements
where does the synovial membrane of the knee joint attach
- margins of articular surfaces
- superior and inferior outer margins of menisci
where do the two cruciate ligaments attach
- intercondylar region of tibia below
- intercondylar fossa of femur above
infrapatellar fat pad
seperates synovial membrane from patellar ligament
alar fold
fringed margin formed by synovial membrane on side of infrapatellar fat pad
infrapatellar synovial fold
sharp midline fold of synovial membrane by lower part of infrapatellar fat pad