Here is a brief summary of the structures and anatomy of the knee joint. This is to provide some clarity and understanding regarding the structures of the knee and is not meant to be an all-inclusive anatomical description of all the structures of the knee.

Menisci

There are two menisci for each knee, a lateral meniscus and a medial meniscus. The menisci are “C” shaped and sit on top of the tiba between the femoral and tibial condyles. The menisci aid in shock absorption, weight distribution, and knee stability.

Ligaments

The knee, like other joints, is surrounded by a joint capsule. The joint capsule has two layers. An outer layer that is fibrous and a thinner inner layer that is referred to the synovial membrane. Within the joint capsule is contained the synovial fluid of the knee joint. The synovial fluid provides lubrication and nutrients to the different structures in the knee.

There are numerous ligaments surrounding and within the knee joint that provide stability to the knee. The four main ligaments are the two collateral ligaments and the two cruciate ligaments.

The collateral ligaments run along both sides of the knee (medial and lateral). The lateral collateral ligament runs from the femur and joins with the tendon from the hamstring muscle (biceps femoris). The medial collateral ligament runs from the femur and attaches to the tibia. These ligaments prevent excessive varus or valgus forces (bow-leg vs. knock knee) at the knee and also prevent excessive rotation of the tibia and femur.

The cruciate ligaments form and “X” or cross in the middle of the knee. The anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) attaches from the back of the femur to the front part of the tibia. The posterior cruciate ligament (PCL) runs from the front of the femur to the back part of the tibia. These ligaments work together to prevent excessive forward or backward movement of the tibia on the femur. They also help prevent excessive rotation or twisting of these bones.

Muscles

The knee is surrounded by numerous muscles that allow movement of the knee joint and also provide stability to the knee. We’ll highlight some of the key muscles here.

The quadriceps muscle group consists muscles in the front of the thigh including: rectus femoris, vastus lateralis, vastus intermedius, and vastus lateralis. Contraction of these muscles causes knee extension or straightening.

The hamstring muscle group consists of three muscles on the back of the thigh including the semitendinosus, semimembranosus, and biceps femoris. Contraction of these muscles flex or bend the knee (and extend the hip).

The sartorius and gracilis muscles run along the front/middle of the thigh. They cross the hip joint, but also cross the knee joint. They assist in knee bending and rotation of the tibia.

In the calf, the two heads of the gastrocnemius muscle surrounds the back part of the knee. This muscles provides some knee flexion and also stability to the knee.

The popliteus muscle is found in the popliteal fossa. This is the back crease of the knee. This muscles helps with knee flexion, and also stabilizes the femur with knee flexion or bending.

Other Structures

IT Band: The IT band is a large fibrous tendon that runs from muscles in the hip and attaches on the outside part of the knee. This structure aids in stability of the knee joint and contributes a little bit to knee bending and straightening.

Bursa: These are small fluid-filled sacs that help decrease friction due to tendons or ligaments sliding over bone. There are multiple bursa in and around the knee joint. Some of the more notable ones are the suprapatellar, peripatellar, and infrapatellar bursae.

Quadriceps tendon: This is a large tendon where all four of the quadriceps muscles come together. It runs over the kneecap and turns into the patellar ligament that attaches to the front part of the shinbone (tibia).

Plica: This is a fold in the synovial membrane. Remember the synovial membrane is part of the joint capsule that surrounds the knee joint. This fold is most commonly found in the front middle part of the knee and is found in approximately 50% of the population. Most times plica do not cause any symptoms, but in some instances this fold can become inflamed and irritated.

Fat Pad: This is fatty tissue that is found below the kneecap and underneath the patellar ligament. It is also referred to as the Hoffa fat pad. The fat pad can become inflamed and/or undergo hypertrophic changes. This is usually due to repetitive knee extension activities or direct trauma to that area of the knee.

Once you better understand the different structures and anatomy of the knee, you can better understand what is happening when you have different types of pain, diseases, or injuries. Hopefully, this post provides a quick reference that you can use when a healthcare professional or someone else mentions different parts of the knee.

References

1. Image: Blausen.com staff (2014)