Structure of the knee – articular surfaces, ligaments, menisci

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The construction of the knee is quite complicated. It is the largest joint in our body that allows us to move. In addition, it carries the weight of the entire body. The construction of the knees means that both everyday activity and professional sports are not a problem for us. Unfortunately, the knees are very vulnerable to injuries and degeneration.

The construction of the knee is quite complicated. The knee is the largest joint in the human body. This is otherwise a hinge-pivot joint. The knee joint is most vulnerable to damage and injury. Its many elements are very important for the comfort of movement. It is he who makes it possible for us to run, walk or do sports in a stable way.

Construction of the knee – construction details

The complicated structure of the knee results, among others, from from the number of elements, but also from the responsibility for maintaining the weight of our body. In the construction of the knee, many articular surfaces, ligaments, etc. should be distinguished.

It is a complex, or hinged, modified joint. The overall structure should include the two largest bones, i.e. the femur and tibia, and the patella. The articular head is formed by the two condyles of the femur, and the condyles of the tibia by the acetabulum.

It is the largest joint in the human body. The knee joint is surrounded by an articular capsule consisting of two layers. It has a synovium on the inside and a fibrous membrane on the outside. Between these two layers is the infatellar fat body.

In the structure of the knee, two menisci should also be distinguished, which make the articular surfaces adapt to each other during movement.

Knee structure – articular surfaces

Several articular surfaces should be replaced in the construction of the knee. Belong to them:

  1. connection of the femur and tibia, i.e. the tibial femoral joint,
  2. the connection of the surfaces between the femur and the patella.

Structure of the knee – ligaments

Numerous ligaments in the knee are responsible for maintaining heavy loads. The task of the collateral ligaments is to strengthen the side walls of the articular capsule. They are responsible for a straight position and allow rotational movements. When the knee is bent, the lateral ligaments in the knee relax. It should be distinguished:

  1. tibial collateral ligament – enables effective strengthening of the wall of the articular capsule and avoiding valgus,
  2. sagittal collateral ligament – reduces knee varus.

Another type of ligament is the cruciate ligament, which protects the knee joint. Belong to them:

  1. anterior cruciate ligament – prevents excessive bending and straightening of the knee, as well as valgus and varus knee,
  2. posterior cruciate ligament – prevents the posterior displacement of the tibia and prevents maximum flexion and extension.

The oblique popliteal ligament forms the popliteal fossa. The popliteal artery runs there. It prevents too strong extensions and rotational movements.

The transverse ligaments tighten during external rotation of the joint. They are located between the two most advanced elements of the meniscus.

The last ligament is the patellar ligament, which is located in the tendons of the quadriceps muscle of the thigh. It is 5-6 cm long.

Structure of the knee – meniscus

There are two menisci in the knee. They look like crescent-shaped rings. They are made of fibrous tissue. In the structure of the knee, the lateral and medial meniscus should be distinguished. They are very mobile, which often causes various injuries. They cause pain and difficulty in moving the knee.

The meniscus enables, among others shock absorption and jumping. Their efficiency is very important. It should be remembered that it may take up to 2 years for the meniscus to regain its full function.

Symptoms of meniscus damage are pain, swelling, crackling, or a feeling of stiffness in the knee. The damage is caused by degenerative changes, cysts, injuries during flexion and overstrain.

The knee is exposed to numerous injuries and swelling. In order to relieve unpleasant symptoms, it is recommended to use warming products that accelerate the regeneration of damaged tissues. At medonetmarket.pl you can buy a high-quality heating gel, offered by the Polar Heat brand, available today at an extremely attractive price.

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