Knee anatomy involves more than just muscles and bones.
This article details knee anatomy.
There is also a small bone called a fabella, that is often located behind the knee joint.
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There are four majorligamentsthat surround the knee joint.
Two of these ligaments are in the center of the joint, and they cross each other.
These are called the cruciate ligaments and consist of the anterior cruciate ligament and the posterior cruciate ligament.
Ligament injuries typically result incomplaints of instabilityof the knee joint.
Muscles and Tendons
Muscles propel the knee joint back and forth.
A tendon connects the muscle to the bone.
When the muscle contracts, the tendons are pulled, and the bone is moved.
Other smaller muscles and tendons surround the knee joint as well.
Joint Capsule and Lining
Thesynoviumis the lining of the joint space.
The synovium is a layer of tissue that defines the joint space.
The synovial cells produce a slippery, viscous fluid called synovial fluid within the joint.
Joint Bursa
Abursais a structure in your body that is placed between two moving parts.
In your knee, there is a prominent bursa just in front of your knee and underneath the skin.
There are actually hundreds of bursae spread throughout your body.
Knee Joint Function
Knee function is determined in large part by the anatomy of the joint.
The primary function of the knee is to hinge at the lower extremity.
However, the knee does not only bend back and forth.
There are also rotational movements at the knee joint.
If there are restrictions in mobility or instability of the knee joint, the function will not be normal.
Understanding the normal function of the knee joint can help you address some of these common conditions.
American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons: OrthoInfo.Common knee injuries.
U.S. National Library of Medicine: MedlinePlus.Meniscus tearsaftercare.
American Academy of Orthpaedic Surgeons: Ortho Info.Synovial Chondromatosis.
National Institute of Health: News in Health.Beating Bursitis: Take Care of Your Joint Cushions.
U.S. National Library of Medicine: MedlinePlus.Knee Injuries.
2017;25(5):365-374. doi:10.5435/JAAOS-D-15-00464
