Knee joint – Anatomy Atlas

Anterior and posterior view of the knee joint

Anterior (upper left and lower images) and posterior view (upper right image) of the knee. In the lower image, we can see extracapsular ligaments such as the patellar ligament, medial and lateral patellar retinacula as well as the tibial and fibular collateral ligaments. In the upper two images, intracapsular ligaments, such as the anterior and posterior cruciate ligaments, transverse ligament of the knee, anterior meniscotibial ligament and posterior meniscofemoral ligament can be identified. On the medial aspect of the knee joint, we can also visualize two small ligaments that represent the deep layers of the tibial collateral ligament which attach to the medial meniscus: the medial meniscofemoral ligament and the medial meniscotibial ligament.

Sagittal view of the knee joint

Sagittal view of the right knee joint, with all articulating surfaces clearly visible. The lateral and medial condyles of the femur articulate with the tibial plateau inferiorly forming the tibiofemoral joint. Anteriorly, the patellar surface of the femur articulates with the articular surface of patella forming the patellofemoral joint. This view of the knee joint is best for examining the structure of the articular capsule and its two parts, the outer fibrous layer and inner synovial membrane which encloses the articular cavity. The articular capsule forms several pouches called bursae, that cushion and reduce friction within the knee joint. Additional important structures are the menisci situated between the lateral and medial condyles of the femur and tibial plateau, providing congruency to these articulating surfaces. In the patellofemoral joint, one of the important supporting structures is the patellar ligament, that extends from the patella to the tibial tuberosity.