Description
Various ligaments of the knee connect the femur with the tibia. These ligaments may be considered as either extracapsular or intra-articular ligaments.
The extracapsular ligaments, or intrinsic ligaments, are essentially thickenings of the fibrous layer of the joint capsule and add strength to it. These ligaments include the:
—patellar ligament;
—medial and lateral patellar retinacula;
—patellofemoral ligaments;
—tibial and fibular collateral ligaments;
—oblique popliteal ligament;
—arcuate popliteal ligament;
—anterolateral ligament of the knee;
—popliteofibular ligament.
The intra-articular ligaments of the knee joint consist of the cruciate ligaments and those associated with the menisci.
Related parts of the anatomy
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Knee Ligament
The cruciate ligaments are two strong knee ligaments that cross each other and provide anterior and posterior stability.