Knee

Question 1

Extracapsular ligaments of the knee

Answer 1

Fibular (lateral) collateral ligament

Tibial (medial) collateral ligament

Oblique collateral ligament

Arcuate popliteal ligament

Patella

Question 2

Describe the patellar ligament ( tendon )

Answer 2

Continuation of the quadriceps femoris tendon

Runs from the apex of the patella → tibial tuberosity

Function: transmits force from quadriceps to tibia; anterior knee stability

Question 3

Describe the medial collateral ligament

Answer 3

Also called tibial collateral ligament

Broad, flat band from medial femoral epicondyle → medial tibial condyle

Attached to the medial meniscus

Function: resists valgus (inward) stress at the knee

Question 4

Describe the lateral collateral ligament

Answer 4

Also called fibular collateral ligament

Cord-like structure from lateral femoral epicondyle → head of fibula

NOT attached to lateral meniscus

Function: resists varus (outward) stress

Question 5

Describe the arcuate popliteal ligament

Answer 5

Y-shaped ligament from the fibular head, arches over the popliteus muscle to the posterior joint capsule

Function: supports posterolateral corner of the knee

Question 6

Describe the oblique popliteal ligament

Answer 6

Expansion of the semitendinosus tendon

Crosses the posterior knee from medial tibia → lateral femoral condyle

Function: reinforces the posterior joint capsule