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10 Knee Anatomy Facts
Here are 10 essential facts about knee anatomy.
The knee is the largest and most complex joint in the body, combining bones, cartilage, ligaments, and muscles that allow for a wide range of motion.
1. Knee Joint Structure
- The knee joint is a hinge joint between the femur (thigh bone) and the tibia (shin bone), allowing for flexion and extension.
- The knee is made up of the femur, the top of the tibia, and the patella (kneecap), along with cartilage, ligaments, and tendons.
2. Muscles
- The quadriceps muscles (at the front of the thigh) extend the knee, while the hamstrings (at the back) flex it.
3. Patella
- The patella, or kneecap, is a sesamoid bone that sits within the quadriceps tendon and protects the knee joint while enhancing the leverage of the quadriceps muscle.
4. Menisci
- The knee contains two crescent-shaped cartilages called the medial and lateral menisci, which act as shock absorbers and stabilise the joint by deepening the articular surface.
5. 4 Main Ligaments of the Knee
- Anterior Cruciate Ligament (ACL): Prevents anterior translation of the tibia relative to the femur.
- Posterior Cruciate Ligament (PCL): Prevents posterior translation of the tibia.
- Medial Collateral Ligament (MCL): Stabilises the inner knee.
- Lateral Collateral Ligament (LCL): Stabilises the outer knee.
6. Synovial Membrane
- The knee joint is lined by a synovial membrane that produces synovial fluid, which lubricates the joint and nourishes the articular cartilage.
7. Bursae
- Several bursae are present around the knee, including the prepatellar bursa and infrapatellar bursa, which help reduce friction between tendons and bones during movement.
8. Blood Supply
- The knee receives its blood supply from the genicular branches of the femoral, popliteal, and tibial arteries, ensuring adequate nutrition and healing.
9. Nerve Supply
- The knee is innervated by branches of the femoral nerve, tibial nerve, and common peroneal nerve; providing sensory and motor functions to the joint and surrounding muscles.
10. Common Knee Injuries
- Understanding knee anatomy is crucial for diagnosing common injuries such as meniscal tears, ligament sprains (especially ACL injuries), patellar tendinitis, and osteoarthritis, which can lead to pain and functional impairment.
Interesting knee facts
- Interestingly, babies are born without kneecaps, which are made of soft cartilage that ossifies into bone between ages 3 and 6.
- The knee joint is also highly stressed, bearing 1.5 times your body weight when walking, up to 3 times when going upstairs, and 4 to 5 times when squatting.
