The knee joint is a hinge type synovial joint, which mainly allows for flexion and extension (and a small degree of medial and lateral rotation). It is formed by articulations between the patella, femur and tibia.
In this article, we shall examine the anatomy of the knee joint – its articulating surfaces, ligaments and neurovascular supply.
By TeachMeSeries Ltd (2023)
Fig 1 – The femur, tibia and patella of the knee joint.
Articulating Surfaces
The knee joint consists of two articulations – tibiofemoral and patellofemoral. The joint surfaces are lined with hyaline cartilage and are enclosed within a single joint cavity.
- Tibiofemoral – medial and lateral condyles of the femur articulate with the tibial condyles. It is the weight-bearing component of the knee joint.
- Patellofemoral – anterior aspect of the distal femur articulates with the patella. It allows the tendon of the quadriceps femoris (knee extensor) to be inserted directly over the knee – increasing the efficiency of the muscle.
As the patella is both formed and resides within the quadriceps femoris tendon, it provides a fulcrum to increase power of the knee extensor and serves as a stabilising structure that reduces frictional forces placed on femoral condyles.
By TeachMeSeries Ltd (2023)
