Knee Joint

Question 1

What is the knee joint?

Answer 1

The articulation between the proximal tibia and distal femur

Question 2

What do the rounded condyles of the distal femur fit into?

Answer 2

Concave condyles of the proximal tibia

Question 3

Which condyle of the femur is longer from front to back?

Answer 3

Medial condyle of the femur

Question 4

What happens to the lateral condyl of the femur when the leg is extended toward full extension?

Answer 4

The lateral condyles of femur and tibia touch, forming a pivot for rotation

Question 5

What occurs to the tibia when the knee is brought into full extension?

Answer 5

The tibia rotates laterally to lock the knee joint

Question 6

Fill in the blank: The knee joint is the articulation between the proximal tibia and _______.

Answer 6

[distal femur]

Question 7

True or False: The lateral condyle of the femur is longer than the medial condyle.

Answer 7

False

Question 8

What is the result of the tibia rotating laterally during full extension?

Answer 8

A perfect fit and ‘lock’ in the knee joint

Question 9

What are the articular surfaces of the knee?

Answer 9

The two rounded condyles of the femur and the patellar surface that unites the condyles in front.

Question 10

What do the condyles of the femur rest on?

Answer 10

The concavities of the tibia.

Question 11

What are located at the junction of the condylar and patellar surfaces?

Answer 11

Two faint grooves/joint lines.

Question 12

Describe the orientation of the lateral groove at the knee.

Answer 12

The lateral groove is almost transverse, emphasized at each end.

Question 13

How does the medial groove differ from the lateral groove?

Answer 13

The medial groove begins further forwards and passes obliquely.

Question 14

Fill in the blank: The _____ of the femur are rounded structures that articulate with the tibia.

Answer 14

[condyles]

Question 15

What is the function of the knee bursae?

Answer 15

To prevent friction between structures close to the knee joint.

Question 16

What is the role of the subcutaneous infrapatellar bursa?

Answer 16

Facilitates movement of the skin over the tibial tuberosity as the knee joint moves.

Question 17

What does the suprapatellar bursa prevent?

Answer 17

Friction between the patella and femur.

Question 18

What function does the gastrocnemius bursa serve?

Answer 18

Allows the proximal gastrocnemius muscle to move against the posterior femur.

Question 19

What can cause irritation or inflammation of the knee bursae?

Answer 19

Trauma to the area or overuse of the knee joint.

Question 20

True or False: Bursitis can result in pain and swelling.

Answer 20

True

Question 21

Fill in the blank: The _______ bursa facilitates movement of the skin over the tibial tuberosity.

Answer 21

[subcutaneous infrapatellar bursa]

Question 22

Fill in the blank: The _______ bursa prevents friction between the patella and femur.

Answer 22

[suprapatellar bursa]

Question 23

Fill in the blank: The _______ bursa allows the proximal gastrocnemius muscle to move against the posterior femur.

Answer 23

[gastrocnemius bursa]