The knee joins the upper leg and the lower leg. It’s also the largest joint in the body. In addition to bearing the weight of the upper body, the knee allows for walking, running, and jumping. It also allows for rotation and pivoting.
Knee bonesPatella. Also called the kneecap, the patella serves as a point of attachment for different tendons and ligaments. It also helps protect them from damage. Knee ligamentsLigaments are bands of connective tissue that surround a joint. They help support joints and keep them from moving too much.
The knee contains four major ligaments:
Anterior cruciate ligament. This prevents the tibia in the lower leg from moving too far forward.Posterior cruciate ligament. This prevents the knee from moving too far backward.Medial collateral ligament. This provides stability for the inner knee. Lateral collateral ligament. This helps stabilize the outer knee.Knee tendonsTendons are also bands of connective tissue. They’re found on the ends of muscles, where they help attach muscle to bone. The largest tendon in the knee is the patellar tendon. It attaches the tibia to the patella. The quadriceps tendon attaches the quadriceps muscle to the patella.
What’s the difference between tendons and ligaments? Find out here.
Other important structuresThe knee contains a variety of structures that help it support weight and allow a range of movements. Some of the most important structures include:
Bursa. Bursae (plural) are small sacs filled with fluid in the knee joint. There are about 14 of them in each knee. They help reduce friction and inflammation in the knee.Meniscus. The knee contains two menisci (plural), known as the medial meniscus and lateral meniscus. They’re discs of cartilage that act as shock absorbers. In addition, they help evenly distribute weight, providing balance and stability.