Knee

Two types of cartilage protect your knee. Articular cartilage covers the ends of the bones, allowing smooth movement, while the menisci are two C-shaped pieces of cartilage that act as shock absorbers between the femur and tibia.

Four main ligaments stabilize your knee. The Anterior Cruciate Ligament (ACL) controls forward movement, while the Posterior Cruciate Ligament (PCL) controls backward movement. The Medial Collateral Ligament (MCL) provides inner knee stability, and the Lateral Collateral Ligament (LCL) provides outer knee stability.

The quadriceps tendon connects the thigh muscles to the patella, and the patellar tendon connects the patella to the tibia. Several muscle groups support knee function, including the quadriceps (front thigh muscles), hamstrings (back thigh muscles), and calf muscles. Bursae are small fluid-filled sacs that reduce friction between moving parts.

The knee joint works like a well-engineered hinge. When you walk, your muscles contract and relax, tendons pull on the bones, ligaments guide the motion, cartilage cushions the impact, and bursae reduce friction between moving parts.

This complex system allows for both stability and flexibility. The knee can bend (flex) and straighten (extend) while supporting your body weight and maintaining balance. It’s designed to handle significant forces during activities like climbing stairs, squatting, or jumping.

Understanding your knee’s anatomy can help you appreciate why proper movement is important, recognize the importance of maintaining muscle strength, understand how injuries might affect different parts of the knee, and make informed decisions about knee care and exercise.

Remember that all these components work together as a team. Keeping your knees healthy through appropriate exercise, maintaining a healthy weight, and using proper movement techniques can help preserve this remarkable joint for years to come.