Function of Knee Structures
- Modified hinge joint
- Movements that occur at the knee joint are:
- Flexion
- Extension
- Rotation
- Rolling
- Gliding
- Menisci- increase stability, decrease friction, increase contact area, absorb shock
- Cruciate Ligaments- knee stability
- ACL-prevents the femur from moving posteriorly during weight bearing, limits anterior translation of the tibia in non-weight bearing, stabilizes tibia against internal rotation
- PCL- resists tibia internal rotation, prevents hyperextension, limits posterior translation of the tibia in non-weight bearing
- MCL- prevents knee valgus and external rotating forces
- LCL- Stabilizes the knee laterally against varus forces
- Bursa- reduce friction between anatomical structures
- Iliotibial band- dynamic lateral stabilizer
- Sartorius, Gracilis, and Popliteus- knee flexion and internal rotation
- Quadriceps- knee extension
- Hamstrings- knee flexion, internal rotation (semitendinosus and semimembranosus) and external rotation (biceps femoris)
- Gastrocnemius and Plantaris- knee flexion
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