The knee joint is the body’s largest joint and one of the most important. It is complex in nature as it supports the body’s weight while allowing mobility. Movements at the knee joint are essential to many everyday activities, including walking, running, sitting and standing.
Front of Right Knee
The knee is a modified hinge joint located between the thigh bone (femur) and shin bone (tibia). The joint is protected in front by the knee cap (patella).
Front of Right Knee
Articular cartilage on the ends of each bone and underneath the knee cap absorbs shock and provides a smooth, gliding surface for joint movement.
Ligaments are the strong bands of tissue that keep the ends of bones connected.
There are four major ligaments in the knee:
■ Anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) – prevents the tibia from moving forward
■ Posterior cruciate ligament (PCL) – prevents the tibia from moving backward
■ Medial collateral ligament (MCL) – prevents excessive inward movement of the knee joint
■ Lateral collateral ligament (LCL) – prevents excessive outward movement of the knee joint
Meniscus is fibrocartilage located around the bone that absorbs shock and provides a smooth surface to protect articular cartilage from wear.
The quadriceps muscles are a group of four muscles that are located on the front of the thigh. Their primary function is to extend (straighten) the knee and flex the hip. Quadriceps weakness in older adults has been associated with an increased fall risk, decreased gait speed, and impaired stair-climbing ability.