Anatomy and Function of the Knee Joint Written Assignment Unit 2: Support and Movement: Bone Tissue and Skeletal System University of the People HS 2211-01 Human Anatomy and Physiology Robert Pressley, Instructor June 23, 2022,
Anatomy and Function of the Knee Joint Introduction: The human body consists of various joints that enable movement and provide stability. One such joint is the knee joint, which plays a crucial role in mobility and weight-bearing activities. In this essay, we will examine the anatomy of the knee joint in detail and explore how its skeletal features relate to its specific type of movement. Additionally, we will demonstrate our comprehension of the assigned readings by correctly defining and using three physiological terms related to the functional organization of the joint system. Anatomy of the Knee Joint The knee joint is a hinge joint that connects the femur (thigh bone) to the tibia (shin bone) and is surrounded by various structures that contribute to its stability and function. The primary components of the knee joint include the femoral condyles, tibial plateau, menisci, ligaments, and muscles (Standring, 2020). The femoral condyles are the rounded surfaces at the distal end of the femur that articulates with the tibial plateau. These condyles are asymmetrical, with the medial condyle being larger than the lateral condyle. This asymmetry plays a role in stabilizing the joint and preventing excessive lateral movement (Martini et al., 2018). The tibial plateau consists of two flat, weight-bearing surfaces on the proximal end of the tibia. These surfaces provide a stable foundation for the femoral condyles and contribute to the joint's load- bearing capacity. The medial and lateral menisci, which are C-shaped fibrocartilaginous structures, sit between the femoral condyles and tibial plateau. They act as shock absorbers, distributing forces evenly across the joint and enhancing its stability (Standring, 2020). The knee joint is reinforced by several ligaments that provide additional stability. The anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) and posterior cruciate ligament (PCL) prevent anterior and posterior displacement of the tibia, respectively. The medial collateral ligament (MCL) and lateral collateral
Anatomy and Function of the Knee Joint ligament (LCL) provide stability against excessive medial and lateral forces, respectively (Martini et al., 2018). Functional Organization and Movement The skeletal features of the knee joint are highly correlated with its type of movement and range of motion. The knee joint is primarily a hinge joint, allowing flexion and extension movements in one plane. This motion enables activities such as walking, running, and kicking. The rounded surfaces of the femoral condyles and the flat tibial plateau provide a stable articulation, ensuring smooth and controlled movement (Standring, 2020). In addition to flexion and extension, the knee joint also allows limited rotation and lateral gliding movements. The menisci play a crucial role in facilitating these movements by reducing friction and providing cushioning. The ACL and PCL limit rotational movements by stabilizing the joint and preventing excessive twisting forces (Martini et al., 2018). Physiological Terms 1. Articulation: Refers to the point of contact between