Ligaments of Knee and Leg

Question 1

Fibrous capsule of knee

Answer 1

attachments- from the margins of the femoral condyles to the margins of the tibial condyles

Question 2

Tibial (medial) collateral

Answer 2

attachments- from the medial epicondyle of the femur to the medial condyle & shaft of the tibia deep to the sartorius and deep to the pes anserinus

function- stabilizes the medial aspect of the joint (prevents abduction of the tibia); valgus stress

Question 3

Fibular (lateral) collateral

Answer 3

attachments- from the lateral epicondyle of the femur to the anterior lateral aspect of the head of the fibula

function- stabilizes the lateral aspect of the joint (prevents adduction of the tibia); varus stress

Question 4

Anterior cruciate (L. crux, cross)

Answer 4

attachments- from the medial part of the anterior intercondylar area of the tibia to the posterior part of the medial surface of the lateral condyle of the femur

function- prevents posterior displacement of the femur on the tibia and hyperextension of the knee

Question 5

Posterior cruciate

Answer 5

attachments- from the posterior intercondylar area of the tibia to the lateral surface of the medial condyle of the femur

function- prevents the anterior displacement of the femur on the tibia

Question 6

Menisci (Gr. meniskos, crescent)

Answer 6

1. Medial
   attachments- anterior & posterior regions of the intercondylar area of the tibia & fibrous capsule at the tibial collateral ligament
2. Lateral
   attachments- anterior & posterior regions of the intercondylar area of tibia

Function: Distribute compressive forces (absorb shock) and increase contact area at the tibiofemoral joint

Question 7

Patellar ligament

Answer 7

attachments- from the apex of the patella to the tibial tuberosity

function- resists knee flexion, serves as component of extensor mechanism for quadriceps mm. to extend the tibia on the femur

Question 8

Medial Patellofemoral ligament

Answer 8

attachments – proximal 50% of medial patella to the medial epicondyle of the femur

function – restrains against patellar lateral displacement

Question 9

Crural interosseous membrane

Answer 9

attachments- from interosseous border of the tibia to the interosseous border of the fibula