The knee is one of the largest and most complex joints in the body. The knee
joins the thigh bone (femur) to the shin bone (tibia). The smaller bone that
runs alongside the tibia (fibula) and the kneecap (patella) are the other bones
that make the knee joint.
Tendons connect the knee bones to the leg muscles that move the knee joint.
Ligaments join the knee bones and provide stability to the knee:
- The anterior cruciate ligament prevents the femur from sliding backward on
the tibia (or the tibia sliding forward on the femur). - The posterior cruciate ligament prevents the femur from sliding forward on
the tibia (or the tibia from sliding backward on the femur). - The medial and lateral collateral ligaments prevent the femur from sliding
side to side.
Two C-shaped pieces of cartilage called the medial and lateral menisci act as
shock absorbers between the femur and tibia.
Numerous bursae, or fluid-filled sacs, help the knee move smoothly.
Check out this short animation that provides a look inside this janky joint.