Knee

Question 1

What bones make up the knee?

Answer 1

• Femur = condyles and epicondyles.
• Tibia = medial bone of lower leg.
• Patella = articulates with femur (knee cap).

Question 2

Describe the patella?

Answer 2

• Allows increase in movement.
• Articulates with femur.
• Patellar tendon attaches bottom to top of tibia.

Question 3

Name the 2 knee joints?

Answer 3

• Tibiofemoral joint = femur and tibia articulate, medial and lateral condyles of both articulate.
• Patellofemoral joint = posterior of patella with surface of femur.

Question 4

What is a meniscus of the knee?

Answer 4

• Fibrocartilaginous semicircular discs.
• Found on both tibial condyles, medial+lateral.
• Medial meniscus is less mobile than lateral.
• Allows smooth movement between femur and tibia, acts as shock absorbed.

Question 5

Name + describe the ligaments of the knee?

Answer 5

• Anterior and posterior cruciate ligaments = Intracapsular.
• Medial = from medial epicondyle of femur to tibia.
• Lateral = from lateral epicondyle of femur to fibular head.
• Cruciate ligaments = Extracapsular.
• Anterior = from anteriomedial part of tibia to lateral of femur.
• Posterior = from posterior of tibia to medial of femur.

-Transverse = connects menisci anterior.

Question 6

What are the functions of the ligaments?

Answer 6

• To stabilise the knee during movement.

- Prevent femur and tibia rolling off each other.

Question 7

Describe the joint capsule?

Answer 7

• Surrounds both joints.
• Attached to the cartilage that covers both condyles.
• Medial aspect blends with collateral ligament, lateral does not.

Question 8

Describe the synovial membrane?

Answer 8

• Lines the capsule, covering the tendon of the popliteus muscle.
• Covers anterior and lateral surfaces of cruciate ligaments.

Question 9

Describe the stability at the knee?

Answer 9

• Shape of the bones make knee an unstable joint.
• Menisci increase stability by adjusting joint surfaces.
• Lubricate joint by spreading fluid.
• Also promoted by the ligaments as prevent side to side movements and forward and back.

Question 10

Name the knee flexors?

Answer 10

-Biceps femoris.
-Semimebranosus.
-Semitendiosus.
ALL HAMSTRINGS!!
-Sartorius
-Popliteus

Question 11

Name the knee extensors?

Answer 11

-Rectus femoris.
-Vastus intermedius.
-Vastus lateralis.
-Vastus medius.
ALL QUADRICEPS!!

Question 12

What does the sciatic nerve above the knee form?

Answer 12

• Tibial nerve.
• Fibular nerve.
• Supply sensory and motor control of lower leg and foot.
• Tibial = back, fibular = knee and front.