Knee Anatomy Test

The meniscus is a C-shaped piece of cartilage located between the femur and tibia in the knee joint. Its main function is to resist tension and torsion of the knee, providing stability and cushioning. It also helps in load distribution by evenly distributing the weight and forces that pass through the knee joint during movement. The meniscus acts as a shock absorber, reducing the impact on the articular cartilage and preventing excessive wear and tear on the joint surfaces.

The fibula is not considered part of the knee joint. It is a bone located in the lower leg, parallel to the tibia. The knee joint is formed by the articulation of the femur (thigh bone) and the tibia (shin bone), along with the patella (kneecap). While the fibula plays a role in supporting the leg and ankle, it does not directly contribute to the knee joint.

The ligament that restricts anterior movement of the tibia on the femur is the Anterior Cruciate Ligament (ACL). This ligament is located in the center of the knee and prevents the tibia from sliding forward in relation to the femur. It is one of the major stabilizing ligaments of the knee and is commonly injured in sports activities that involve sudden stops, changes in direction, or direct impact to the knee.

The medial meniscus is indeed "C" shaped, while the lateral meniscus has a shape that resembles more of an "O". This is due to the differences in their attachments and functions within the knee joint. The medial meniscus is larger and more firmly attached to the joint, which allows it to provide stability and distribute forces more effectively. The lateral meniscus, on the other hand, is smaller and more mobile, allowing for greater flexibility and adaptation to different movements.

The correct answer is the Lateral Collateral Ligament. This ligament attaches proximally to the popliteal groove and distally to the fibular head. Its main function is to resist varus forces in the knee, which means it helps to prevent the knee from bending outward.

The term "proximal" does not describe a type of meniscus tear. Proximal refers to a location or position that is closer to the center or origin of the body. In the context of meniscus tears, the terms horizontal, radial, and vertical describe different orientations or patterns of tears that can occur in the meniscus. However, proximal does not describe a specific orientation or pattern of tear, but rather refers to the location of the tear in relation to the center of the body.

A bucket handle tear is a specific type of meniscus tear where the inner edge of the meniscus displaces inward. This tear is characterized by a longitudinal tear pattern, resembling the handle of a bucket. The displacement of the inner edge can cause significant pain, swelling, and limited range of motion in the affected knee joint. Treatment for a bucket handle tear may involve surgical repair or removal of the torn portion of the meniscus.

The medial patellofemoral ligament (MPFL) is a ligament that connects the medial (inner) side of the patella (kneecap) to the medial femoral condyle (the rounded end of the thigh bone). It helps stabilize the patella and prevents it from dislocating or moving laterally.

The intercondylar notch is a structure that is situated between the medial and lateral condyles. It is a groove or indentation in the bone, typically found in the knee joint. This anatomical feature provides space for important structures such as ligaments and tendons to pass through, allowing for proper movement and stability of the knee joint. The intercondylar notch plays a crucial role in maintaining the overall function and integrity of the knee joint.

The knee joint is classified as a "pivoting hinge" joint because it allows for both flexion and extension movements, similar to a hinge joint. Additionally, the knee joint also allows for a slight amount of rotation or pivoting, which distinguishes it from a typical hinge joint. This combination of movements makes the knee joint versatile and capable of various actions, such as walking, running, and jumping.

The two conditions that affect the chondral surface of the knee are Osteochondral Defects (OCD) and Avascular Necrosis (AVN). Osteochondral defects refer to damage or loss of the cartilage and underlying bone in the knee joint, which can result in pain, swelling, and limited mobility. Avascular necrosis, on the other hand, is a condition where the bone tissue in the knee joint dies due to a lack of blood supply, leading to joint pain and deterioration. Both conditions can significantly impact the health and functioning of the chondral surface in the knee.