Knee Joint

Question 1

Posterior Cruciate Ligament

Answer 1

Origin:
Originates from the posterior intercondylar area of the tibia.

Attachment:
It attaches to the lateral part of the medial condyle of the femur.

Function:
The PCL plays a crucial role in preventing backward displacement of the tibia on the femur. It also contributes to the overall stability of the knee joint.

Question 2

Anterior Cruciate Ligament

Answer 2

Origin:
Originates from the anterior intercondylar area of the tibia.

Attachment:
It attaches to the medial part of the lateral condyle of the femur

Function:
The ACL helps stabilize the knee joint by preventing excessive forward movement of the tibia on the femur. It also aids in controlling rotational movements of the knee.

Question 3

Medial Meniscus

Answer 3

Origin:
It originates from the tibial plateau on the medial side of the knee joint.

Attachment:
It attaches to the tibia and is also anchored to the medial collateral ligament (MCL)

Function:
The medial meniscus serves to distribute load and absorb shock within the knee joint. It also enhances joint stability and provides cushioning, reducing friction and preventing excessive stress on the articular cartilage during movement.

Question 4

Lateral Meniscus

Answer 4

Origin:
It arises from the tibial plateau on the lateral side of the knee joint.

Attachment:
It attaches to the tibia and is not directly connected to any ligaments.

Function:
The lateral meniscus has a similar role to the medial meniscus, distributing loads and reducing pressure on the knee joint. It contributes to joint stability and cushioning while preventing excessive wear and tear on the articular surfaces.

Question 5

Fibular (Lateral) Collateral Ligament

Answer 5

Origin:
It originates from the lateral epicondyle of the femur.

Attachment:
It attaches to the head of the fibula.

Function:
The LCL stabilizes the outer aspect of the knee and guards against excessive outward (varus) stress on the joint.

Question 6

Tibial (Medial) Collateral Ligament

Answer 6

Origin:
It originates from the medial epicondyle of the femur.

Attachment:
It attaches to the medial epicondyle of the tibia.

Function:
The MCL provides stability to the inner side of the knee and helps prevent excessive inward (valgus) stress on the knee joint

Question 7

Patellar Ligament

Answer 7

Origin:
It originates from the apex of the patella

Attachment:
It attaches to the tibial tuberosity on the anterior aspect of the tibia (shin bone).

Function:
The patellar ligament is a continuation of the quadriceps tendon, which includes the quadriceps muscles (rectus femoris, vastus lateralis, vastus medialis, vastus intermedius). It serves as a strong, central tendon that connects the quadriceps muscles to the tibia. The primary function of the patellar ligament is to transmit the force generated by the quadriceps muscles to the tibia. This allows for the extension of the leg at the knee joint, which is essential for activities like jumping, running, and straightening the leg

Question 8

Posterior Menisco-Femoral Ligament

Answer 8

1. Posterior Lateral Meniscofemoral Ligament
   Origin:
   It originates from the posterior horn of the lateral meniscus.

Attachment:
It attaches to the lateral condyle of the femur.

Function:
The PLMFL helps stabilize the lateral meniscus and prevents excessive movement of the meniscus during knee flexion and extension. It contributes to the overall stability of the knee joint.

2. Posterior Medial Meniscofemoral Ligament
   Origin:
   It arises from the posterior horn of the medial meniscus.

Attachment:
It attaches to the medial condyle of femur.

Function:
The PMMFL serves a similar function to the PLMFL but specifically for the medial meniscus. It helps stabilize the medial meniscus and prevents its excessive displacement during knee movements.