Anatomy>
The largest
joint in the body, the knee is also one of the most complex.
The knee
may be described as a modified hinge joint, similar to the hinge
on a
door. However, the knee not only bends back and forth like a hinge,
it
has a complex rotational component that occurs with flexion and extension
of the knee.
The knee is a major weight-bearing
joint that is held together by muscles, ligaments, and other important
soft tissue. Cartilage is the material inside
the joint that provides
shock absorption to the knee during weight-bearing activities such
as walking or stair climbing.
Below is an
illustration of knee anatomy with its major bones, ligaments
and muscles
appropriately labeled.
Bones
The bones of the knee are the femur (thigh bone), tibia (shin bone) and patella (kneecap). The femur and tibia meet to form a hinge with the patella in front of these two bones protecting the joint. The patella slides up and down in a groove in the femur (the femoral groove) as the knee is bent and straightened. Bones, ligaments, cartilage and tendons all work together
to build a healthy knee.
View an animation of knee anatomy
For more information about knee replacement surgery, visit www.MyLifeInAction.com.