Knee Joint Flashcards
What are the features of the proximal end of the femur?
- Head
- Neck
- Greater trochanter
- Lesser trochanter
What is the function of the femur.
Transmission of weight from the ilium to upper end of the tibia
Articular cartilage covers the head of the femur except for what area?
Fovea capitis
What is the function of the fovea capitis?
Provides attachment for the ligament of the head of the femur.
What is the angle of the neck of the femur to the shaft of the femur?
125 degrees (varies slightly with age and sex)
Where does the anterior surface of the neck join the join the shaft?
Intertrochanteric crest
What marks the centre of the intertrochanteric crest?
Large quadrate tubercle
Where is the greater trochanter located?
Lateral aspect of the upper part of shaft lateral to the neck
Describe the borders of the greater trochanter.
Upper border –> marked by a tubercle
Anterior border –> marked by a depression
Posterior and inferior borders –> both roughened for muscular attachment
Where is the lesser trochanter located?
Medially behind and below the neck
Describe the features of the lesser trochanter.
Smaller than greater trochanter
Tip is drawn forwards
More conical in shape
Rough ridge running downwards and forwards
Describe features of the shaft.
Strong
Almost completely cylindrical aside from prominent posterior border.
Convex anteriorly
Describe the linea aspera.
Along posterior border.
Provides rough site for muscle attachment
Medial and lateral lips that diverge at proximal and distal ends
Describe the pectineal line
Marks upper surface medially
Narrow and vertical
Describe the patella.
Triangular sesamoid bone
Where is the patella found?
Suspended in the tendon of quadriceps femoris
Describe the orientation of the patella.
Apex points inferiorly
Base points superiorly
Describe the borders of the patella.
Superior
Lateral
Medial
What is the function of the tibia.
Transmission of body weight from medial and lateral condyles of the femur to the foot.
What are the main movements of the knee joint?
Flexion and extension